The Lead You're Following

For this God is our God for ever and ever; 

he will be our guide even to the end.

[Ps 48:14]

When travelling hundreds of miles from home and trekking through unfamiliar territory, my senses tend to go into overdrive in an effort to avoid frustration.

Before pulling out of the drive I take every known precaution trying to avoid getting lost.. I google directions to every destination. Print, organize, and study each one. I was feeling confident in my preparations to get where we were going – as far as it depended on me.

Bright and early Saturday morning we organized our caravan. I took third position, directions at the ready.

When the leader of the caravan took a route different from those before me I reached for my phone to call Coach. I was reaching for reassurance that we were going the right way.

Not quite in full-throttle panic-mode, I was worried nonetheless. (After all, there were others following us.) My mind kept reaching for something with the answers and the outcome. I tried to relax, release control, and merely follow. Admiring the scenic view and keeping eyes peeled on first position was a means of distraction.

I had to be able to trust while “driving blind.” I rationalized that he had the tools and the plan to lead the way. When you’re in a situation of doubt, it helps to have someone to look to that will keep you on track. Someone with common goals and a shared destination.

Do you know your way? We don’t always. When we don’t, those are precisely the times our fellowship is vital.

We were made to be in relationship. Relationship with God first. And then with others. We thrive best in community – particularly a community of fellow-believers in Christ that know The Way.

Do you know the pack you’re travelling in? Do you trust the lead you’re following? It’s my prayer you do. There are times we travel in unfamiliar areas (not always a physical location). When you have to depend on someone else, I sure hope it’s one you can trust to keep you on the Highway, headed in the right direction. Traveling alone we are subject to a potential to get lost and experience detours that delay and frustrate. We may get where we want to go eventually but without the peace of mind we gain surrounded by companions.

We worked as a team everywhere we went over the course of the weekend and bonded for it. And I learned better how to follow.



Help us, Lord, to encourage one another along The Way, knowing when to lead and when to follow, ultimately trusting in You as our Guide. Amen.

Carried Away

I'm currently in the Book of Jeremiah in the Bible reading plan I'm following this year. Reading of Judah and their captivity in Babylon my heart sunk at the thought of innocent children being carried away. I pause in prayer. A prayer for the children of our nation. That they might not be held captive. Held captive -- spiritually, mentally, emotionally -- by hollow trappings of this world that masquerade as glitz and glam. Held captive by the darkness of evil. Especially darkness of a sin not their own. A prayer they won't become shackled by drug dealers, porn peddlers, hype mongers. In the course of time becoming trapped by want for more. Followed by debtors. Or tirelessly serving master idols of fame, power, and wealth.

I think of the innocence and purity of my two. It would be ignorant to believe that there are those younger that haven't already been exposed. (I loathe that word!). Exposed to harmful influences that can't be undone. Exposed to those things that would capture their hearts. Hold it tight in destructive grasp. Greedy to feast upon their very souls. Snagged by the very bogey-monster their young fears imagine. Darkness crashing in when fairy tales should still be dancing in their heads.

Exploited. (Another detestable word!) The numbers of children exploited daily an absolute horror. Even in civil, developed neighborhoods of comfort. In their very own homes they are surrounded by images and messages that tempt them away from a godly way of living. They are assaulted on every side by would-be captors. Attempting to capture their attention, hold them mesmerized and distracted. Leading them astray then binding them with guilt and shame.

We must extol the real value of holiness. The pleasure and freedom that lies within its borders. Teach them the joys of purity and that choosing freedom over weighty snares, while difficult, is worth fighting for. It is a continual battle to counter lies with truth of the blessedness of living counter-culturally. But fight we must.

I once lived in the dark, dreary cell of must-have. Caught up in the belief that chasing after worldliness brought happiness -- only to find it led me further away from our Shepherd's still waters. I have seen ugly places and lived bound by the snares of sin. They're not pleasant, child-friendly places for one's heart to live.

Prayer to the Omnipotent God to empower parents brings comfort and hope. We need not live in fear but full of faith and action. Informed and aware of the dangers with a determination to keep captors at bay. Pray our kids are carried away by none other than the Spirit.


Father; May we endeavor to teach of the trappings of this world. Remove the veil that blinds us to truth. To see the real danger hidden beneath the hype. Protect our children from being exposed and exploited. Grant us the endurance to remain vigilant in watchfulness, steadfast and consistent in guarding those You have entrusted into our care. In the Name of our Lord, Jesus. Amen.

The Perils of Recordkeeping

She came into the office complaining of unfairness. I was sympathetic to her plight and in complete agreement; however, I am powerless to change a thing. I tuned my ear the rest of the day to the many and varied references to this popular opinion.

Fairness - we practically demand it, crown her an American Idol.

But is that what we truly want? Is true justice what we really desire?

I dare not. I fear real justice.

When my children were younger they often bellowed, "Unfair!" I've not heard that cry in awhile. Not because they don't think it but probably more because they don't want to hear my schpeel. Their rivalry has waned to where their petty comparisons seem fewer. I can't say a certain level of maturity cures us of this. We just reach an acceptance of its inevitability.

But I do have one that dabbles in record-keeping. I like to think it's an unnatural tendency, for the image we bear is quite the opposite. For those in Christ God leans toward forgiveness over fairness.  Once forgiven, always forgiven. Mercifully He keeps no record of wrong. Even though He Himself suffered cruelly at the hand of "Unfair."

What's unfair is having the only perfect and sinless man take the death sentence for the sins of others. Far more unfair is that I am declared "not guilty" of my sins. That is hardly considered just by our standards. My commuted sentence is worthy of reasonable objection.

Blessed are they

whose transgressions are forgiven,

whose sins are covered.

[Rm 4:7]

The greatest gift of the grace and mercy of our God is forgiveness. It is conditional, however.

But if you do not forgive men their sins,

your Father will not forgive your sins.

[Mt 6:15]

If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.

[1 Jn 1:9]

When the subject of fairness arises (and it's sure to) our tranquility is dependent on forgiveness. Received and given. To protect our hearts we must not keep a score card of offenses, lest we are willing to track our own wrongdoing.

Unfairness and forgiveness. Action and conscious reaction. Malady and remedy. When fairness is lacking forgiveness must follow.

Believe God for justice. Leave it in His Hands. Only He can judge rightly and administer correctly. For He is perfect, righteous in all His ways.

We must reach into eternity with confidence equality resides there. Beyond sins bounds.

So many of us carry scars from gaping wounds inflicted by unfairness. Jesus bears the greatest scars of injustice. For all wounds of injustice.

There is a difference between what is fair and what is right. Sometimes we can try to do both and it may still be perceived as unfair. That is certainly when I hope for forgiveness. And discernment in recognizing I need extend it.

Fairness cannot be expected in this life -- it can only be taught and given. Let's try do both today. And thankfully, should we fail, divine forgiveness is available.


God of Grace; It is by Your grace we can forgive our offenders again and again, without keeping record, as Jesus taught. May we one day stop counting to the 70 x 7 but forgive every offense as it comes. Root out all unforgiveness that robs us of the peace and forgiveness You have for us. Because of Christ, Amen.

"Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' 

Hear, O house of Israel: Is my way unjust? 

Is it not your ways that are unjust?

[Ez 18:25]

Light of Lights

Light of lights! All gloom dispelling,

Thou didst come to make Thy dwelling

Here within our world of sight.

Lord, in pity and in power,

Thou didst in our darkest hour,

Rend the clouds and show Thy light.

Praise to Thee in earth and heaven,

Now and evermore be given,

Christ, who are our sun and shield.

Lord, for us Thy life Thou gavest,

Those who trust in Thee Thou savest,

All Thy mercy stands revealed.

~Thomas Aquinas

1225-1274

Yet Another Day

Soccer game
Banking
Groceries
Laundry
Sheets
Sweep/mop floors
Clean Bathrooms
Clean out fridge
Vacuum
Dust
Mow Lawn


Come the end of yet another day and all is done. (And some Saturday To Do lists can be rather lengthy.) God be praised! He did it...again! He's given strength, energy, health, time, motivation, and the resources to get it all done. Enabled me to rise-up to the challenge. He provided what was needed for yet another day.

Her thick accent echoed in my head; "God has chopped it all up. He made smaller pieces for me to handle. He never gives more than I can bear." She is deep in difficult mire, dependent on God to carry her through. And she has praise to offer as testimony of our great Promise-Keeper.

He is more than able to meet her challenge. He is more than able to meet my daily grind. He is able to answer your every call this day as well.

At day's end, when time for rest has come, I exhale in Him, the One that never ceases to amaze. In awe I worship the God that is able, the God that is willing, the God that cares enough to involve Himself in the lives of those that love Him. I praise His faithfulness to provide and make it possible to manage yet another day.


Faithful Father; You carved a way for me through this day like a pass over mountainous rock. Like that Horeb-bush that burned with the Presence of the Lord but did not burn up. Make me that vessel -- for You, for Your kingdom, for Your glory -- committing each thing I do to You, by Your power and in Your will.

The LORD is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him,

and I am helped.

[Ps 28:7]

Wedding of Grace

The glorious Holy Spirit settled thick like the morning fog that visibly blanketed the landscape. The air rich with His presence.

Somedays we just seem to be aware of the Lord's presence more so than others. And her wedding day was just one of those luscious days.

Time slowed. The pace evocative of the grace and peace of a floating swan. Not a wrinkle nor shadow cast. Pure joy filled each precious moment.

The delight of her proud father evident as he escorted her down the aisle. I'm confident this immense pleasure is shared equally by her Heavenly Father. The look on the waiting groom's face indescribably filled with adoration. The smile on our Heavenly Groom's face wider yet.

..."as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,

so will your God rejoice over you."

[Is 62:5b]

The day was filled with tremendous love and joy....and thankfulness. Thankful for God's blessing upon the Bride and Groom and their families. Thankful for His design, provision, and union. Thankful for the rare time of shared celebration with so many we love that He has brought into our lives.

I found myself ultimately thankful that the LORD, my Maker, is my Beloved Husband. That I have the high honor to be the Bride of Christ.

"For your Maker is your husband—

the LORD Almighty is his name—

the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;

he is called the God of all the earth."

[Is 54:5]

CRAZY!!!   THE LORD ALMIGHTY, is my Redeemer and  my Husband! Does that not cause your heart to beat uncontrollably and your mind to race wild?! It was hard to stay seated and keep from shouting out thanks on behalf of all the single women present. I had to fight hard the urge to loudly proclaim this blessed promise to ensure they truly knew the love Christ has for them.

Rest came easy at day's end. The sense that all is well drifted over and lulled sweet sleep. Content in the arms of the God of all the earth. Assured that He blankets His creation with His Omnipresence.

Holy One, Lord Jesus; Your love for Your Bride, the Church, is unmatched. Help us to live as one walking down the aisle to be eternally united with You, our Maker.

Fatherly Praise

"But you are our Father,

though Abraham does not know us

or Israel acknowledge us;

you, O LORD, are our Father,

our Redeemer from of old is your name."

[Is 63:16]

Ageless words from Isaiah drip sweet like honey. A precious reminder in the still quiet of daybreak that brought forth praise of my Redeemer From Of Old, Jesus Christ.

This important truth sometimes slips from the forefront of my mind. The reminder kindles a spirit of thankfulness. Thankful I am not kept by race from being brought into God's family. That I may call upon our good and merciful God as “Abba, Father” without exclusion. Thankful for this extravagant gift.

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."

[Gal 3:26; 4:6]

The unity God created was divided by walls greater than those surrounding the Holy City. Jesus came to restore unity with all men to their Father God. The Berlin Wall comes to mind, along with the sights and sounds in the media of it being torn down. Jesus “destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility”. He removed division and reconnected the displaced joints, gathering all nationalities into God's covenant for salvation.

Praise Him today. Although Abraham did not know us, we have a shared inheritance. Although we were not recognized by the ancient Israeli nation, we are part of the family of God in Christ.

"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, 

      and sing praises to him, all you peoples."

[Rm 15:11]

Abba Father; Thank You for removing the barriers and providing The Way to You. In Christ, Amen.

Always Learning

The digital dash read 8:56 as I whipped in the lot. I had already called ahead, expecting full well to be late. All glory to God, I was 4 minutes early.

Earlier, the house was abuzz with the typical frantic energy of the first day of school. Everyone out the door, I followed. I was 10 minutes ahead of schedule so that I could make a pit stop on my way to work. After completing my errand I realized I had to turn around and head back home. “I can still make it,” I breathed.

I found it odd that the bus stop was void of students and reasoned the bus must have come early. Then I noticed a teen racing to catch a bus long gone. “Poor kid! Not quite fair to pick-up early on the first day,” my mind grumbled. I was certainly thankful that my son chose to head down earlier than needed. If he hadn’t, he’d be the unfortunate one making a mad dash.

I turned my mind back to the task at hand, planning a quick entry and exit.

No sooner did I hit the top of the landing, there was a knock on my door. I opened it to a precious, albeit downcast, face. “Can you give me a ride to school?”

“I’m sorry, sweetie. I already left for work once and had to come back so now I’m running late. School is nowhere near my work. I would have to go in the opposite direction to give you a ride.” She turned to slump down the stairs. My heart could hardly bear it.

“Wait! Come in. Let me call my boss and tell him I’ll be late and I’ll get you to school.”

I had nearly blown it. For a moment I had misaligned priorities by making my job more important than her wounded, fragile spirit. It would have been understood if I didn’t allow her problem to inconvenience me. I could have justified that she should suffer the consequence of missing the bus and learn a valuable life-lesson. I could have hardened my heart and said; “Tough, kid. Work it out yourself!” I owe thanks to the Holy Spirit’s prompting.

On our commute I made an attempt to encourage her and redeem her day. “God has made a way for you. He worked things out by providing a ride. You can start this day over and have a fresh start from this moment. It’s all good.” I explained how fortunate I was to have a Christian boss that was compassionate and merciful, that he would understand. I could see her stress melt, her mood lift. “It’s the first day of a great year!”

I was blessed to speak God’s glorious name to tender ears and to see the face of a child of His turn from sorrow to joy.

The car pool line was empty. The lanes were clear of traffic. I missed every light and sailed straight through in record time, feeling God’s pleasure in my change of heart.

I surprised my boss that I made it...with time to spare. Why, I even surprised myself today. I could have been the one to "miss the bus." I could have slammed that door shut and went on my way. But God is training me to be a student at the Master's feet. He's teaching me to look and listen. To look through His lens and to listen with His heart. A valuable lesson learned in God's classroom of grace.



Thank You, God, that I was the one that learned something this first day of school. Thank You for providing for Your child and giving me the opportunity to be a blessing and receive a blessing.

Four L's for Today

I have 4 L's for you today, as invitation to commune with God. Sure to bring blessing to you both this day.


Listen

"Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness,

you who seek the LORD...

[Is 51:1a ESV]

"Listen to me, you who know righteousness,

the people in whose heart is my law;"

[Is 51:7a ESV]

Lean in and listen with your very soul -- won by the Nail-Scarred One. Listen to Him speaking through His Word. The "holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."




Look

..."look to the rock from which you were hewn,

and to the quarry from which you were dug."

[Is 51:1b ESV]

Look to the Rock. Behold The Incarnate Creator God. Gaze into His will, His Word. Step into this day, heart and mind planted firmly on the Solid Rock, to steady your footing and direct your path.



Linger Long


Bask in glory, soak in the grace of Jesus, Our Righteousness. Wait expectantly, He will not delay. And when you rise from this blessed time of communion, He will have equipped you in your pursuit of holiness.



I listen, look, linger long before You, Father, Savior, Counselor, in loving devotion and pursuit of Your righteousness. Amen.

Creation's Purpose

I will put in the wilderness the cedar,

the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive.

I will set in the desert the cypress,

the plane and the pine together,

that they may see and know,

may consider and understand together,

that the hand of the LORD has done this,

the Holy One of Israel has created it.

[Is 41:19-20 ESV; emph. added]

Feast the eyes on summer's blossoms about you
and see the gift.... their purpose.
They exist that we may know God,
God as Creator.

Isn't it in the wilderness,
and especially the desert places,
we need not to just see God, but to know God most?

And what can we know of God by these trees?

The Creator is also Sustainer.
By His trees He provides;
growth, beauty, flowers, fruit, shade,
and a place of rest.


And what do we learn of the way He has created us?

He made us to thirst that
He might satisfy.

He made us to hunger so
He could fill.

He made us wonder to
impart understanding.

He made us seekers that
He be found.

Weak,
that He exhibit His strength and power.

And transformation by grace,
through Christ-faith,
takes the sin that made us inglorious
to be Reflectors of His glory.

God has placed,
from horizon to horizon,
the common bush.
That the created might;
consider,
understand,
know,
and see,
the glory of The Creator.

Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary;

his understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the faint,

and to him who has no might he increases strength.

[Is 40:28-29 ESV; emph. added]