Embark Upon A Journey Of Faith

Tho I'm not the one leaving

I embark on a new journey

Yet another one with You, Lord

I'm taking that first step, the one of faith

Toward You

Then we'll set out together

Words....Words....Your Precious Words

Come rushing to mind to carry me along

Like...

In Your hand are the depths of the earth

The heights of the mountains are Yours, also

Your grace is sufficient; Your love is unfailing;Your way, perfect

Your eyes rove to and fro

Here and there

With her, with me, with them

Wherever we go -- You go

Yes, tho never leaving

I'm on a new journey, nonetheless

A journey of growing faith

Trusting You even more

With my precious -- Your precious --

Our precious girl

Releasing Your child to her Rightful Owner

The church bus full and westward bound

They're off on a journey in Your Name and Your service

She rides in the shadow of Your wings

In a chariot of Your choosing, Your design

And those that tarry here

Travel to our knees in prayer

Wondering of the story You're writing upon their hearts

The stories You're writing with them elsewhere

The stories they'll carry home

She's packed and ready to go

Headed across some 3,300 American miles

I'm ready, also, to take my own journey

Embark with You into the parenting unknown

Never leaving home

Right here at Your side

Send forth Your Word to accompany them there
as we stand firm on Your Word here
a journey - together -
not in the where...
but in the WHO

Be with us all, as we hope in You.

Photo: Navajo-bound bus departing here

The Holy Spirit - Hospice to Our Soul

Her head hung limp, lids heavy.

Her response unintelligible, slow, and delayed.

Her outer frame, ice cold to the touch.

"Should hospice be called?" I asked of her Caregiver.

I checked on her regularly throughout the day and noticed improvement. Several hours later, as I knelt beside her chair, she roused to mumble; "I said my prayers." She knew the One that needed to be called.

Do we regularly call upon the Hospice to our soul when a Christian needs reviving spiritually? Do we lift up prayers to the merciful Holy Spirit to revive a Fellow Believer when their faith has gone limp? Their temple for worship has grown cold?

When life is drained from one's faith -- or better yet, sucked out by the demands of this world -- all is not lost. A vibrant life of worship is at the ready, for we have been marked in Christ with a seal - the Holy Spirit. When arms hang limp -- lead-heavy -- prayers are needed for the power of the Holy Spirit to rouse and lift that dear one up.

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith
and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

[Ju 20-21]

Our God is a God of the living! We have been made alive by Christ!

How often in Scripture do we see exuberant worship and the Holy Spirit linked together? Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit sang out exuberantly (Lk 1:39 Msg); Jesus rejoiced exuberantly in the Holy Spirit (Lk 10:21 Msg); the new believers in Christ celebrated daily at the Temple in joyful, exuberant praise (Ac 2:46 Msg).

Take notice of those whose faith is drooping. Call for help -- PRAY. Pray for the Holy Spirit to descend and revive. Then tell them. Let them know Power From On High is on the way.



Merciful and Mighty Holy Spirit; Make our praise vibrant, our worship exuberant, our faith bold and full of life. Revive Your Church, Lord Jesus.

The LORD has taken away your punishment,

he has turned back your enemy.

The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you;

never again will you fear any harm.

On that day they will say to Jerusalem,

"Do not fear, O Zion;

do not let your hands hang limp.

The LORD your God is with you,

he is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

he will quiet you with his love,

he will rejoice over you with singing."

[Zeph 3:15-17]

Prayers of the Saints

You truly, O Lord, are the pure and eternal fount of goodness,

Who did curse, and did bless;

You did banish us from Paradise, and did recall us.

You did strip off the fig-tree leaves,

And put upon us a costly garment.

You did open the prison and did release the condemned;

You did sprinkle us with clean water, and cleanse us from our filthiness.

No longer shall the flaming sword encircle Paradise around,

And make the entrance inaccessible to those that draw near.

But all is turned to joy for us that were the heirs of sin;

Paradise, yea, heaven itself may be trodden by man.
And the creation in the world and above the world,
That once was at variance with itself,

Is knit together in friendship;

And we are made to join in the angels' song,

Offering the worship of their praise.

~Gregory of Nyssa

335-394

Sharing

I’ll ask you the same question I asked her; “Can I share something spiritual with you?”

I led the dinner conversation between my daughter and me with just that question. She welcomed me enthusiastically, so I proceeded. I handed her a wrinkled piece of paper with the noted passage below on it. I asked her to read it. We discussed its original context and intended meaning. Then I opened my heart to reveal a faith story written there by the hand of God. I’ve decided to pass on to you here what I shared with her:

This is what the LORD says:

"The people who survive the sword

will find favor in the desert;

I will come to give rest to Israel."

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:

"I have loved you with an everlasting love;

I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

I will build you up again

and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel.

Again you will take up your tambourines

and go out to dance with the joyful.

Again you will plant vineyards

on the hills of Samaria;

the farmers will plant them

and enjoy their fruit.

[Jer 31:2-5]

“Jeremiah was a Prophet of God to Judah during the exile. This passage spoke directly to them in their circumstance and told of God’s promise for restoration.

Weeks before we went away to the mountains I was hanging on by a thin and fraying thread. I came across that verse one day in my reading and it caught my breath short. I couldn’t believe God had actually said that! The promise was so beautiful. I took the words personally to heart for they seemed to speak directly to me.

I needed to know that God had brought me through many a battle not to leave me in a desert place. He would come and give me rest. I needed the reminder of His love for me and the way He had repeatedly shown it in the past. And I held on to the promise that He would build me up again. That there would be a time coming for joyful dancing. That I would be renewed to return to the kingdom work of planting seeds through teaching His Word.

I printed it out and taped it near my computer monitor at work. I knew what God had done for them. And in Him I had the same hope. He would give me rest and build me up to continue planting.

I would read it several times throughout the day to lift me up when I started feeling worn. Day after day, I read that passage and hope would swell. I would look forward to the time I knew was coming. His strength would carry me to that point.

When vacation time came and we got away I totally forgot the verse. I forgot how weary I had been feeling. I was lost completely in Him and fully cherished our family time together.

When I returned to work I saw the verse hanging, bearing witness. A sense of where I had been flooded over me as I recalled how those words pulled me along. Moisture pooled in my eyes at the memory. Joyful tears of thanksgiving for God’s response.

I kept it there for two weeks to invoke thanks for the way He had done the same for me. Every time I saw it I would thank Him for the grace that filled and fueled.

Today I was ready to take it down. As I leaned toward the trash can a thought ran through my mind to tell you the story. To share God and the way faith and hope helped me in a time of need.”



I wanted to testify to God’s grace actively working in my life and His goodness He had shown me. I purposed to express praise so she might see His glory. That is my intent for you, also. Isn’t that precisely what God wills for us? To verbally share His goodness with each other? To declare the glory due His Name? Doesn’t it exercise and expand our view that we might recognize the ways He blesses? We must determine to share a legacy of God experiences with our kids that they might know there is a God they can call upon.  As well as learning the comfort of God that is found in the Bible.

God’s message delivered through Jeremiah served a specific purpose for a specific people. But it reveals God’s character and dealings relationally with His people. It is mortar to a foundation of hope in Him – a hope that will not disappoint.

Though in the deserts of life, we do find favor, for our God loves us with an ever-lasting love. As we kick the sand from our sandals, let's remember to share the testimony of that favor.


Abba Dear; May I always remember to share You with others. To magnify Your blessings and show Your personal caring touch. Most of all, may I always pause to give thanks for your tender loving care. In Christ, Amen.

We will not hide them from their children;

we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,

his power, and the wonders he has done.

[Ps 78:4]

The Things of Prophets and Angels

Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. [1 Pt 1:10-12]

American President Franklin D. Roosevelt anguished years to see an end to the cruelties of the WWII. He lost his life before he ever saw the reality occur.

Prophets and angels revealed a message of salvation neither ever experienced personally. That didn’t negate its reality.

Evangelicals today tell of Christ’s 2nd Coming they may never experience personally. That doesn’t negate its reality.

We stand in a unique position of privilege for we have received knowledge of both salvation and Christ’s return. – the things of prophets and angels. We stand between two divine realities.

Salvation has come and been accepted by many. Eschatology has been revealed and accepted as factual by many. Others, most unfortunately, have not. That doesn’t negate their reality.

One given.
One yet to come.
One accomplished.
The other in birth pains.
Both unseen, requiring faith.

Will you embrace them as truth? Will you accept the things of prophets and angels? The Messages of a God and His Christ?


Infinite God; We may not understand the workings of a wondrously complex God; but trust, we can. Believe, we can. Help us to choose rightly.

"For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." [Mt 13:17]

"How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!" [Lk 24:25]

Praise~Bites

I will give to the LORD

the thanks due to His righteousness,

and I will sing praise

to the name of the LORD, the Most High.

[Ps 7:17 ESV]

Abba Worship

Father of the Most Holy Son of Man,
Father of Isaac, Jacob and Abraham;
Father of Promise to all of the nations,
Showing agape love to every generation.


Giving Light and Life and Salvation,
My heart spills forth in adoration.
I am truly amazed that such a Father of all
Loves each child the same and without fault.


I hardly understand that You would call us Your own,
And provided the Way for us to approach Your throne.
Personally and attentively to each child You attend,
I love You and thank You, my Father, my Friend.

Reposted from the Archives

Post #500

500 Hosannas strung on my garland

500 Ways to say “I love You, Lord!”

500 Tilts heavenward of my head

500 Evidences of the Spirit’s working

500 Rays of Light shining on Holy Pages

500 Thoughts spurred by Your Word

500 Ways this disciple learned at Your feet

500 Dips into the well of salvation

500 Times I've feasted on the Bread of Life

500 Challenges of screaming doubt

500 Thank You’s with the click of each “Publish Post”

500 Far-reaching links that bear Your Name

500 Opportunities to share the faith You’re growing, the life You're changing

500 Alleluia's!

Praise His Name!

Unmoved Boundary Stones

Do not move your neighbor's boundary stone set up by your predecessors in the inheritance you receive in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess. [Dt 19:14]

"Cursed is the man who moves his neighbor's boundary stone."


Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" [Dt 27:17]

Once a boundary stone has been set it is not meant to be moved. These ancient property markers defined ownership and were not changed without a fight.

I was thinking about this is in a spiritual context and formed the opinion that God has set boundary stones on our lives. I have been guilty of moving them myself, or allowing the enemy to do so.

I’ve mentally classified three types of spiritual boundaries. All three I have tried to realign in the past and see the potential for danger.


Boundary Stone 1 ~ Ownership

God is a territorial and jealous God. The Christian marker is not a stone but The Rock, Jesus Christ. Don’t I try to give pieces of my heart away?

There are two influences that attempt to move this boundary and steal away what should be wholly God’s.

Influences without. The ancient Israeli’s were commanded to clear out the territory of all enemies. When they didn’t obey that command, they were influenced by the foreigners living among them. This would compete for their alliance and draw them away from Jehovah to worship other gods.

We must rid our lives of the external influences that compete for His reign.


Desires within. This boundary would be marked by the fact that we have been crucified with Christ. He has not only commanded us to deny ourselves, His power at work within us is able to do so. We are to eliminate all counter-kingdom vices. Anything that gives something else a foothold in our hearts must be surrendered to the power of Christ.

The world without and our fleshly desires raging war within are dangerous enemies attempting to divide and conquer our hearts. Our whole being belongs to God. We cannot serve two masters by portioning out smaller parcels to multiple allies.

This boundary stone, “Wholly His”, must remain in tact and firmly in place.


Boundary Stone 2 ~ Identity

Our second boundary stone in danger of being moved is the one that defines who God says I am. God has declared that in Christ we are chosen of God and blessed. In love He forgave, redeemed, and adopted us in Christ. It is not for another to change what God has ordained and decreed. These mark where His Spirit dwells – no one can confiscate territory that bears His Name and belongs to Him unless we allow it by believing a lie.

Land bequeathed to the chosen nation of God was won by the Hand of God. We have inherited an identity that was won by Christ on the Cross. A blessing or inheritance given is not another’s to take away without a battle.

If He calls me His child – that I am! I dare not remove that stone. The world tries to redefine who I am and the Deceiver certainly makes every attempt to rob me of my belief in God’s Word. He will whisper lies to erode the truth from my thought pattern. And no one turns my heart quicker than I do. How often do I play negative messages in my head about who I truly am? I personally struggle in my thought life of who God says I am. I can get discouraged after listening long enough to the tape replaying; “You’re not good enough.”

Of course, we must be careful not to swing the stone too far in the other direction. Making too much of self and too little of God. Our pride easily puffs up and we have anything but vain conceit.

Like the Casting Crowns lyrics proclaim, we “can choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth.”


Boundary Stone 3 ~ Behavior

What are the boundaries God has set for the ways He expects me to act (or not act)? They are mostly a matter of the heart, and changed behavior follows. The things God expects from us does not change. They are non-negotiable. Quite simply He commands us to:

Love God

Love Others

The Pharisees were guilty of moving these boundary stones when they would redefine the Law. And us law-keepers today continually question; “Did Jesus really say _______?”

There is no better reinforcement to keep these boundaries in place than spiritual disciplines. Purposefully, actively, faithfully living as a disciple of Christ. It keeps the field clear, level, expansive, and defined. No doubts about where ownership lies. No giving or taking away what is rightfully His.

Where do your stones lie?


Possess all of me. It’s all Yours, God. Let not an inch be removed from Your grasp.

Songs for the Distant Ear

Those living far away fear your wonders;

where morning dawns and evening fades

you call forth songs of joy.

[Ps 65:8]

The distant, those outside a personal relationship with Christ, can still recognize God as God and fear Him. They can look upon those of His that struggle and see their hope and their joy. By it they see there is a blessedness that comes from being in His favor. 

His children know He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. That though the night has come His light shines.  Though the night has set for a season we still have cause to sing, for a new day will dawn.

Those outside God's chosen nation often looked upon His awesome deeds and feared Him. He and His people gained renown because of God's favor demonstrated in mighty acts of redemption.

Reflecting upon the Creator and God of the harvest we find ample reasons to sing joyfully, here are but four the psalmist noted in verses 3, 5, and 7:

• When we were overwhelmed by sins, He forgave our transgressions
• He answers us with awesome deeds of righteousness
• He stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves
• He stilled the turmoil of the nations

Cause to sing 'til evening fades.

God, our Faithful Provider; May the wanderer see the dawn and come near to You; lean in to hear our song and begin to hum along. Call forth a cry for salvation from their hearts and replace it with songs of joy.

But Now...

Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I obey your word.

[Ps 119:67]

I find this verse true to my experience. Nothing in this world could have brought me closer to God and refined my life in Christ than difficulties. There is no better God magnet than affliction.

Before I truly came to know God I had no real desire to follow obediently. I had a tendency to drift and lose my way.  And the way I came to know Him intimately was through the fires of life.

The “but now” of our lives can lead someone one of two ways. It brings us to two paths, leading in quite opposite directions. “But now” has the potential for two very different outcomes.

Affliction and obedience; they have been married together almost as long as time. Obedience goes with affliction like growth goes with hormones. Obedience is an acquired thing, don’t you think? I form that opinion from these verses.

During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered

[Heb 5:7-8]

In life’s trials and suffering one can turn to God for compassion, mercy, comfort, and strength. God, through this experience, can grow one’s faith and give them reasons for hope. One can come to know Him personally as He walks closely with them through the valley. And to know God is to love Him. Building the basis for all obedience, for the root of God-honoring obedience is love.

This is not always the case, unfortunately. There are those that blame God and become bitter toward Him. And others still know not to look for Him at all. It is to these we owe the most encouragement. Offering an Anchor for their storm, a ray of Light to shine in their darkness.

There is no better, tangible companion to the afflicted than a Bible. Other than receiving the comfort of God’s promises, reminders of His faithfulness, strength from the accounts of His past deeds, wearing the pages brings a knowledge of Him and His expectations. We learn His commands and they come to seem right and good.

Psalm 119 a perfect example of this. This elaborate Psalm of exquisite wisdom literature and deep theology expounds the beauty of God’s commands. It was (and still is) used as a prayer to worship the God that revealed Himself to man through His sacred Word. Time spent with God in prayer seeking discernment and understanding of His will through His Word is opportunity to build a love relationship – obedience becoming a natural response.  Isn't obedience to be considered but one of the "good" God brings from suffering?

The seed of affliction sprouts the branch but now that produces the fruit of obedience.  All grown in the garden of God's providential love. 

In the “but now’s” of life, Father, may obedience always follow.  Amen.

Facets of Control

Control. Loss of it can generate absolute fear. I’m not talking inhibitions here; now that would be scary! Precious daughter recently earned her permit and started driving [gulp!] It has been an internal struggle to turn over the wheel – and the brakes – and give up control of the car. Ok, bad example.

Control is a battleground of wills. Only One can be trusted with it – without need to fear. But in fear, the reverence-of-the-Holy-Omnipotent-God-of-Love kind, we must give absolute control.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

[Php 2:5-8]

Look to Jesus. He gave up control to God. We read how He emptied Himself to be born a helpless babe. How He gave up His spirit and entered into death’s darkness. He surrendered Himself to death, trusting God to raise Him up -- the ultimate surrender of all control.

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

[Mt 27:50 ESV]

God has not asked me to go so far as a shameful scourging and public trial, to be hung on a cross. But ask He does. He asks for control, mastery of my life. He asks me to do His will here on this earth. And there is no other way to do His will except surrendered to His control. Andrew Murray wrote; “We cannot do the will of God except by the power of God.” I must be dependent upon and given over to His power, for only then can I do what He asks of me.

We read here “Jesus humbled himself…” I think humility requires surrender of control, bowing to the One truly sovereign.

Surrender of control is also a matter of access. We have to give God total access to our hearts, our minds, our very lives. Hand over the keys, sign-off ownership. Let Him have His way.

God-control is having a proper position perspective. He is not the helper. He is Commander.

It cannot be

That He help me.

He must have total control.

I often err in asking Him to bless my effort, the way I like. For Him to help me. Isn’t that skewed? Rather than asking for help in the way I would prefer to go shouldn’t I turn myself over to Him and follow?

And once I do? Don’t I find, inch by inch, I gradually take it back? We’re cruising along and I grab the wheel, take over the driver’s job from the passenger’s position. I’m thinking that just about the time she learns to drive well, it will be time to begin again with my son. I will have to start all over in handing over the wheel. I find that is a natural cycle with God, as well. (Hopefully practice makes perfect.) In those times it would serve me well to remember, “I am the branch.”

It would do me good to also remember last week. When our Youth Minister gave me the dates the group would be coming to paint our home I gave it over to God. I say this, not to boast in any spiritual fortitude on my part, but in the trustability of God. I had come to the conclusion weeks in advance this blessing was of Him and was all His to see it through. It was not mine to interfere.

I had to go to work and left my home each day to a team of over 30 teens and a handful of adults. I entrusted control of the project, our home, and my kids to God. I was unsure of the plan, even of the paint color, but I was sure of God. This was a huge undertaking by our youth but, the way I figure, God is infinitely larger. And it got done…wonderfully!

I’d like to remember that the next time I reach for the wheel. The next time fear tries to tell me I’ve “lost control”. I hope I do (lose control, that is). It won’t be lost, however. It will be right where I place it – in the Omni-Competent Hands of Almighty God.



Forever You are robed in majesty, Lord, and I bow before You. Just as You say, my Lord the King. I and all I have are Yours. Sanctify me through and through ‘til all I am is of You. Accomplish in me what You desire. In humility I give You full access and pray the prayer of Christ; "Thy will be done." Conquer the fear that comes from my false sense of loss of control, being in full confidence that You are always in control – ever for the good of those that love You.  In Christ, Amen.

He Comes: Christians That Serve

Burnt Hickory Youth Ministry

It’s Friday, Day 5. The morning air was already thick with humidity and heavy with summer heat. We stood outside surveying the house, my kids and I. And we heard them coming a block away. We peered through the trees between neighboring houses and caught a glimpse of the bus climbing the hill. “He comes,” my heart whispered.

I watched the bus roll to a stop, smiling as I noticed all the seats covered in plastic. A stream of beautiful hearts and faces file off the bus and my heart swelled like that of the Grinch.  "He comes."

Without realizing it, I am positioned at the start of a hug line. As the teens arrive, they offer an unexpected-but-welcome hug. The lump grows in my throat with each one, rendering me speechless and blurring my vision. (Tears fall even now.) “He comes.”

A handful of adults and a group of teens on a mission to serve in the Name of Christ come. (I would name each one if I could trust not to miss one.) Led by a humble Youth Minister passionate about the group's spiritual growth, that pours himself out to God and into this project. They are sharing His love with willing hands to meet a need. A rather significant need that is none too easy to tackle.

I sit now, in my backyard, looking at a re-walled and freshly painted home. The fingerprints of Christ in every drop of paint. Covered by those that long to know and show the Christ that gave it all for them.

Yes, I sit here on holy ground. For the Body of Christ came and served here. Gave of themselves here. Blessed others here in His Name.

And we will never be the same, for “He came.”

He came in each heart of the multitudes that graced our home for five days. He came with each load of tools, each load of supplies, each bagged lunch, each board nailed and brush stroked. It took a church to get this modern-day barn raising done. So many gave so much! What worship!

The most beautiful sight just now catches my eye for the first time. “BHYM” stenciled upon a fresh coat of paint.

Be Him -- they were.

May it be etched upon each new heart in Christ! (If only I could stop the falling tears to finish this!)

May you be so blessed, dear Reader, to be a part of the family of God that practices true religion. I urge you; seek God. Find a church home. Connect with family and witness the power and love of God in action. You can’t truly live without it. Without Him.

He comes. He comes whenever you seek, wherever you are. And He leaves a noticeably improved difference.



Lord Jesus, I pray this was a tap on the shoulders, gaining the attention of those in need of You. That others will see “He Comes” in the name “Christian.” He came, Father. Not that I’m amazed that You did – just that You always do! And until You come again on That Day, find us faithfully, actively wearing Your Name. Bless B.H.Y.M. in very real ways. May the experience change their lives for Good. Make their passion, purpose, and potential abound – alive in awareness of You and what You can do through them. You humble me, Father Dear, and bless beyond measure. Accept all I have to offer.... my worship.

One servant who wears a
cross that bears the paint here
of an active faith

The finished blessing of

Mission Work Project:

LifeBoat 14

Links to other BHCC related posts:
Room with a View
Penny Pushers

Hope-Full

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;

my hope comes from him.

[Ps 62:5]

Sometimes we wish hard for things. Things to happen, things to change, things to come our way. Once in awhile, given a space of time spent laboring and/or waiting -- praying, even -- they may come along. But this is not to be confused with hope. (Though this is often the language I'm guilty of using far too often.)

Hope isn't wishing you'll get what you want...eventually. It's not thinking that, in time, all your dreams will come true.

Hope is the vibrant life coursing through faith in shaky, uncertain places of gray. It is faith in a sovereign God. It's believing He is loving and good...always.

There may be dreams we dream,

goals we strive to accomplish,

desires we long to have fulfilled,

optomistic wants we even sometimes get;

but, our hope never changes.

For the God of our hope never changes.

He Is

The I Am,

Faithful and True.

Our hope lies not in us, or in the things of this world, but in the Trinity and the eternity Christ secured for those who hope.


El Elyon; Sovereign God Most High, all praise be Yours and Yours alone, the God of all our hope. Amen.

Blue Ridge Retreat

Ridges of blue welcomed us

the opening week of June.

God made a way to carry

this limping daughter away

to a nature retreat

filled with children’s laughter,

beauty, and light,

to breathe deeply of Him.

Home, I feel overly sensitized spiritually.

Fine-tuned and Upward-focused.

I liken it to newly bared feet

of early summer.

Sensitive and tender to every little object touched.

In winter’s protective layers

they aren’t particularly affected

by the things they come in contact with.

He has now set me unbound

in a spacious place.

Refueled.

Rebuilt.

Renewed.

His gracious Favor I knew in the desert.

His Favor I praised from the mountains.

His Favor I worship here on the plain.

May the shouts of my praise echo

Beyond the ridges of blue.

Prayers of the Saints

O Lord our God,

even at this moment

as we come blundering

into Thy presence in prayer,

we are haunted by memories

of duties unperformed,

promptings disobeyed,

and beckonings ignored.

Opportunities to be kind

knocked on the door of our hearts

and went weeping away.

We are ashamed, O Lord,

and tired of failure.

If Thou art drawing close to us now,

come nearer still,

till selfishness is burned out within us

and our wills lose their weakness

in union with Thine own.

Amen.

Peter Marshall

1902-1949

Sacred Instruction

"Do not be afraid of them,

for I am with you and will rescue you,"

declares the LORD.

Then the LORD reached out his hand

and touched my mouth and said to me,

"Now, I have put my words in your mouth.

See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms

to uproot and tear down,

to destroy and overthrow,

to build and to plant."

[Jer 1:8-10 emph added]

The prophets of old were given a sacred word to deliver and a sacred task to perform, often in the face of great opposition. (But notice God's attentiveness toward merciful encouragement.)

We read in the Old Testament of leaders that took heed of their message. As was the case of King Josiah (see 2 Chronicles 34). He tore down the altars and high places, cleansed the nation of the worship of false gods, and restored the disrepaired temple.

We don't have to conduct an in-depth study to come to the honest conclusion that America is full of idols. Our modern-day lives are given over to a great many things that come before God and rob Him of worship and the centrality of our hearts.

Job summed it up best when he warned; "Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return." How often do I deceive myself by trusting in the wrong things? Things of no eternal value or ability to save?

Let's look at the actions of Jesus. He entered the temple and upturned money-changers tables. He came to fulfill the law, nailing it to the cross, and institute new teachings. He sent disciples into all the nations to build His kingdom.  And He sent the Holy Spirit into new temples to destroy old barriers and correct false teaching by spreading the Gospel of salvation and grace.

He left us a sacred word and a sacred task.

And Christians? Prophets? No! Ambassadors? Yes! We are also to tear down idols and destroy false teaching; build up the church and plant the Word of Truth, the Gospel of Christ.  We have been entrusted with a similar charge.  Do not be afraid, for God is with us.


Holy Father; We are Your royal priestood, empowered to live holy lives. May we obey the sacred instructions of the commands of Christ. Grant us discernment and courage to tear down, build up, and plant the seed of truth in all diligence of faith and obedience. In Christ, our Lord, Amen.