From Strength to Strength...Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet

Dear Friends,

As the world…and these United States…begin to open up from Covid 19, it becomes more and more apparent that “…(we’ve) not passed this way before.”  (Joshua 3:4)

Experts are at odds regarding the order of lifting restrictions, the speed with which to proceed…even the paths to be taken.  Not only are leaders and caretakers exhausted from overwork and decision making, but now they are overwhelmed facing a very unknown and uncertain future.  If this is you please take a moment to be reminded of a truth:

“Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness.”  Psalm 112:4

​Pictured here are a pair of well-worn sandals, replicates of those that could have been worn by Jesus during His sojourn on earth.  The Scriptures reveal that He and His followers walked literally thousands of miles during those three (or so) years: from Nazareth to the wilderness of Judea; from Jerusalem to Tyre and Sidon; from upper Galilee and possibly even Hermon (the Transfiguration) to Bethany…and back again to Jerusalem – multiple times.  Even as an Infant His earthly father would have taken the little family pretty much on foot from Bethlehem to Egypt and then returned with them to Nazareth.

Putting all this in perspective is mind boggling …and sitting with it brings other Scriptures more into focus.  What is seldom thought of in this centering process is the importance foot coverings would have had.  And…what is pretty much overlooked is their “evolution” according to need.  Did you know that ancient sandals (more like moccasins) dating backward from David to Moses to Abraham and beyond, incorporated a small spout type of receptacle in the toe area to hold oil and a small wick?  They not only provided protection but also provision to see the next step.  Literally, only the next step on the path was lighted. 

Friends, be assured that our Father has given a lamp to light our next steps just as He ordered the footsteps of Jesus.  Walk circumspectly with His Word and the Holy Spirit during these dark times as you seek the truth and make decisions…for yourselves, those you love, and those you are caring for.
 And remember knowing only the next step may be all you need. 
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“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”  Psalm 119:105

From Strength to Strength...Lights in the Windows

Good morning fellow traveler, 

Have you ever been starting out on a journey when the darkness seemed particularly intense or having to push through on a really dark stretch of road? 

What was your response to seeing a warm and inviting light ahead?... approaching a house with lights on…bright and welcoming?... better yet, lights in the windows inviting you to warmth and safety?

Years ago, while having to attend some 8:00am seminary classes, a very early start to the hefty drive was required.   I remember my need of strong resolution as I set out, especially during those icy winter months.  There was a particular house on that journey that always flooded me with sense of safety and encouragement.  I would round the bend and there it was: bright, warm, and beckoning with candle lights in the windows.  I remember my tension always releasing with a sigh and my breathing relaxing with consolation and confidence.  My sense would be:

• There’s my safe place in case I need help!
• Yes, those people are awake!  They would welcome me.
• Daylight will soon be coming.  All will be well.

I have always placed candles in my windows for that reason.  That is the image, the message I desire to emanate because it’s Him, the Jesus I represent. 

How about you fellow traveler?  What has been your experience traveling this world’s dark roads?  How are you placing lights in your windows to welcome the lonely, the least, the lost?

We’re on one of the world’s darkest roads now ….Covid-19.  Recently a pic was posted on Facebook of a similar window with a similar candle …a  reminder of an ancient practice of Christians signaling and welcoming fellow Christians to a safe shelter. 

Put a light in your windows Christ follower…both actually and spiritually.  Reach out in your neighborhood, grocery store, workplace -even digitally.  Be that Christ light of peace, assurance, and safety to those who are frightened and lost.  Be Christ as only you uniquely can.  Be light and life to those around you, where He has uniquely placed you.

“Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men.  That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.”  John 1:4-5
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Your light will not be overcome. 

On the journey with you,

From Strength to Strength...My Times are in Your Hands

 “But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, You are my God.  My times are in Your Hand…”  Psalm 31: 14-1

​Greetings Dear Readers,

The grandfather clock that has graced our family for decades is ticking again, filling this new home with its comforting and familiar presence.  It had lost its delicate balance in a move that recently took place in my life.  What a joy to hear its beautiful chimes after several weeks of an odd empty silence.  It’s amazing how loud silence can seem…forcing attention…inviting a pause…suggesting a sabbath to adjust.
 
Major change does require adjustment. 

I’ve been pondering what that must have meant for Jesus’ loved ones and followers.  Those three days and nights while He was in the tomb surely were the loudest yet most silent of times…the longest of Sabbaths.  These weeks, my devotions have been focused on what it must have been like for them after Resurrection morning.  I’ve lingered over those encounters…each filled with joy, bewilderment, wonderment, incredulousness, hope…yes…and adjustment. 

Jesus was different as He spoke with Mary Magdalene in the garden, as He spent time with those on the Emmaus walk and meal, with those who touched Him and broke bread with Him in the upper room appearances, and with the disciples having breakfast with Him on the Galilee beach.   I’ve been wondering what that must have been like for them.

I’ve also been wondering if Jesus sought out His mom.  The Scriptures are silent but oh my…!   If He did, what was that like for her?
 
And perhaps my favorite meditation has been His appearance to broken, weeping Simon who had betrayed Him.  We know it happened for the Gospel attests to it:

“…The Lord has risen indeed, and appeared to Simon!” ( Luke 24:34)

Pondering how incredible that restoration must have been, I remembered times when I had experienced the Lord’s amazing love and forgiveness, and thankfulness flooded my soul.

As I’m writing this I can hear my grandfather clock ticking.  An exciting new season has begun in my life.  Balance has been restored and new rhythms are in place.  Things seem back to normal…yet everything is different. 

For the disciples, Jesus had risen from the dead just as He promised.  But life certainly wasn’t back to “normal” after the silence of the grave.

How about you?  Are you adjusting to any new normals or are you in a season of silence? 

Where is Jesus in your life?  How are you encountering Him?  Remember, you may not recognize Him until He opens your eyes.  Enter into His stillness and wait upon Him.  Balance will be restored.  The clock will start ticking again.  He will lead the way. 

It’s so good to be back!  I’ve missed you all!