Walking With Jesus

 "I will instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble." Proverbs 4: 11-12

    It looks like a nice day for a walk, something my old limbs ache to do. Though I have access to a treadmill, I prefer to be out-of-doors where there's more to see than a screen. Maybe I'll see if my husband wants to walk along the lake today.

    During my Bible time this morning, I thought about walking. When we walk with someone else, we enter into an agreement to be together, heading in the same direction, experiencing the same conditions, meeting the same passersby, and seeing similar things. If one runs off to do their own thing, the agreement has been broken, at least until the travelers reconvene. The two must keep in step, and at least one must know the way. 

    When I walk with the Lord, it means I have agreed to stay with Him, to keep in step and trust Him in all kinds of conditions or circumstances. Sometimes, we may rest beside the still waters. Perhaps a storm kicks up when He may stop for shelter, insist we carry on through it, or He may calm the tempest. When I need some sleep, it is He who stays up through the watches of the night to deliver me from evil. 

    Even in times of cultural discord, when it seems like no one else is on the path, I keep going, one step in front of the other, one day at a time. The Bible says Enoch "walked faithfully with God," and uses the same description for our friend, Noah (Genesis 5:24 and 6:9). As a result, both were commended in the Hall of Faith chapter (Hebrews 11) for their perseverance. 

    Several times, I left the path and rolled pell-mell down a rebellious slope, but He pushed through the briars and beat off the enemy with His rod before He found me. Then, He cleaned me off and asked me to take His hand once again.

    So, I write to encourage other travelers to stay close to our Guide, the Shepherd, because He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). When we walk with Him, we step on a sure foundation on a road already trod with plenty of light, and in the company of the Best Friend we could ever ask for. 

    It really is a good day for a walk!

"Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" Amos 3:3 

   

One Day With Him

 "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God." Revelation 21:3

    One of my Bible study guides recently asked: Are we genuinely looking forward to God dwelling with us? To what extent do we truly long for His Presence in our daily lives?

    I closed my eyes for a moment to imagine one day with Jesus. How would that be?

    To begin with, I'd wake up aware that He was still with me, having kept watch over me during the night. I'd slept like a baby without immoral dreams or anxious insomnia. Eagerly, I arose to fix us some coffee. Did I read my Bible as I usually did? No, there was no need! The Word had become flesh and made His dwelling right there with me, so we cupped our mugs, enjoying the warmth of the brew and the ease of conversation. It was as if we had known each other my whole life!

    Even when the conversation lulled, it was not awkward at all. As we sat there in the dining room, a small smile crinkled His warm brown eyes as He watched the sparrows at the feeder. Perhaps He was recalling with fondness the day He formed the dear winged creatures. Just then, our cat, Kiwi, sauntered into the room. It wasn't like him to approach visitors, but Jesus was no stranger to him. Tail up, he rubbed his face on His leg in happy greeting. Our Creator, in turn, reached down to stroke the silky fur.

    Sitting there, I espied my prayer journal nearby so I used the opportunity to talk to Him about each of my concerns. He encouraged me to pray without ceasing; it was my faith that mattered most to Him. He said He had often been asked why He was so silent, why didn't He answer our prayers? With a downcast glance, He folded His hands as if in deep thought and wondered about His children. After all, wouldn't they know that God, who did not spare his own Son but gave Him up for us all, wouldn't He also, along with Him, give us all things? All things! (Romans 8:32)

    I began to wonder if I needed to fix breakfast for the Bread of Heaven? Instead, I directed my hunger into a barrage of questions. What was life like in that ark for Noah and family? Cure my curiosity about the Nephilim, please. Is it true that the Angel of the Lord was you in the Old Testament? Why was Satan allowed to be the prince of this world? What did you do between the ages of twelve and thirty besides "grow in wisdom and stature?" How many hairs do I have upon my head?

    As He patiently satisfied my querries, I started to become possessive of His time, wanting Him all to myself, so I rose to close the drapes and turn off my phone. All I wanted to do was to drink freely from the spring of Living Water and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. I never tired of praising His Name and thanking Him for all the times He delivered me from evil. Together, we remembered all the saints that have gone on before me, lovingly recalling their Christian service. I even fetched a photo album that we pondered side-by-side on the sofa.

    All too soon, I knew our unique day was drawing to a close. Taking my hands into His, He looked into my eyes and said, "I know your deeds, Rachel, your love and your faith." I stood a little taller until He continued.  "Nevertheless, I have this against you: You did not wish to share Me with anyone else today. How will others hear the Good News unless you tell them about Me?" 

    With a sob in my throat, I repented of this and vowed to boldly share my faith. What good is buried Treasure? He wrapped me in an embrace, holding me close to His heart before reminding me, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)

"You are with me." Psalm 23:4 "I am with you." Isaiah 41:10

Home

 "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21: 3-4

    HOME

Once full of life, now scarred by strife,

She was "For Sale" again.

So I drove by, with a deep sigh,

To let the mem'ries win.

I saw her there, with stick-brown hair,

The girl who once was me.

Rubber-tipped sneaks and ruddy cheeks,

A Band-Aid on my knee.

Bent o'er the soil, my mom's in toil,

Deep in the rhubarb patch.

Nearby I stand, with grubby hands,

Eager for worms to catch.

The lilac bush now hung its tush

Wearily o'er the fence,

As weeds pervade where beds were made,

As if they had no sense.

It struck me then, a home is when

Her people love her dear.

When God above joins hearts in love

Perfect, to cast out fear.

When at the table we read the Bible

Our souls the Lord did see,

The hearts of those, in sweet repose,

Awaiting the Gospel seed.

Each soul does yearn for what I learned

There in my childhood home:

Christ died for me to set me free

To dwell in His heavenly home.

Tis there that I shall never spy

Thorny thistles and weeds.

No bloom will fall, no Death will call,

No tears shall line my cheeks.

His people we will ever be, ne'ermore to cry or sigh.

We'll praise His Name, ne'ermore the same,

With Him we'll dwell on high.

"In my Father's house are many mansions. If that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also will be where I am." John 14:2-3

A Mighty Fortress

 "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me." Psalm 18: 16-19

    When our daughters were little, it was a delight to see how they believed in us as parents. It made David and I feel invincible! They came to us with their needs and we did our best to fix things. One instance in particular I recall with joy, when Hannah brought a broken balloon to her dad for repair. Dave hated to let her down.

    Of course, as time and change brought disrepair into their lives, it became evident just how fallible their parents were. The foes changed from a broken balloon to a broken heart, cracked dreams and dashed hopes that proved too strong for Daddy, too strong for Mom.

    Have you ever felt that a powerful enemy has you by the coattails? Though you may put on a brave face, you are overcome by something stronger than you? There is a spiritual battle going on for the hearts and souls of people; you are under attack. Satan wants to set up house within you, and he arrives fully armed, prepared to blow your doors off like the big, bad wolf.

    But you are not without hope!

    There is Someone stronger, Someone who is able to overpower the enemy and throw him out onto the street. He is Jesus Christ; there is no other Savior. "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." (Colossians 2:15) Won't you invite Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of your soul?

    Sometimes I long to be a kid again, to return to that place of security where Mother tucked me in and Father made sure the front door was locked at night. With Jesus in my heart, life is like this - only better. Jesus repaired all my brokenness and promised to never leave me nor forsake me, and no one can snatch me out of His hand! I am safe for all eternity no matter what.

A mighty fortress is our God, a trusty shield and weapon.

He helps us free from every need that hath us now o'ertaken.

The old evil Foe, now means deadly woe.

Deep guile and great might are his dread arms in fight;

On earth is not his equal.

Tho' devils all the world should fill, all eager to devour us,

We tremble not, we fear no ill; they shall not overpower us!

This world's prince may still scowl fierce as he will;

He can harm us none. He's judged, the deed is done.

One little word can fell him.*

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins." Colossians 1: 13-14

*A Mighty Fortress is our God, Martin Luther

      

Love That Endures Forever

"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5 

    While packing away my Christmas decorations, I retained some of the red objects as decor for Valentine's Day. How appropriately this day of love follows on the heels of Christmas: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16, the heart of the gospel.)

    Recently I watched a documentary entitled "Universe Designed." Interviews with scientists were expertly woven with spectacular images from creation as the viewer struggled to comprehend the vastness of God. As the program progressed, the emphasis was gradually brought down, down, down to the very heart of mankind, to the place hidden in each of us created in the image of God, the place where God wishes to dwell. 

    How can I describe the way I felt but to say it was like the awesomeness of God had been poured into a colossal funnel directed into my heart and soul? On the shoreline of God's love, it was one grain of sand toward comprehending just "how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge." (Ephesians 3: 18-19) 

    Why did God create us? Why does He love us so? To bring it home: How can I ever love Him enough in return? While in this body where my sinful nature battles with my Christian self, where my finite mind wanders into unproductive wastelands and where I see as if peering into a poor reflection, is it possible to love Him unreservedly, unabashedly and with all abandon?

    I will sure try with all that I have to love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5)

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you should care for them? You made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor." Psalm 8: 3-5

    

A Divine Appointment

 "All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom." Psalm 145: 11-12

    It began as a typical snowy, gray day, one on which the Light of God would shine brightly, altering it for His glory.

    I had accompanied my husband to his medical appointment. Dave had worn his ballcap with the cross of Christ on it, formed by three nails. As we entered the waiting room, doffing our wintry garments, a man commented, "Nice hat." On a curved couch sat a man and his wife, holding hands. We sat opposite them and Christ became the Chief Cornerstone of that medical building as our conversation centered 'round the cross. 

    The woman soon brought her testimony to light. Twenty-two years ago, she had broken her back and died on the operating table. Tears flowed, causing her to pause and wipe her eyes. It was clear that the memory of that day was as vivid as if it had just happened yesterday.

    "I was in a tunnel when I saw Him," she began. "He wasn't dark or light in complexion, but tan with curly, shoulder-length hair." Her voice became ragged with emotion. "Oh, He was beautiful, just beautiful!"

    The words of the hymn, "Beautiful Savior" came to my mind:

"Beautiful Savior, King of creation,

Son of God and Son of Man;

Truly I love Thee, truly I serve Thee,

Light of my soul, my joy, my crown."

    I almost began to sing in spontaneous worship, so enraptured was I by her testimony. After all, across from me sat an eyewitness to the Face of Christ. How awesome is that?

    My thoughts were interrupted by her continuation. "As much as I didn't want to leave, He was telling me it wasn't yet my time. I must return. The next thing I heard was a nurse yelling at me to breathe as she frantically worked on my chest."

    With a broad smile, she concluded, "If anyone ever doubts the reality of a Living Jesus, I tell them, 'I have seen the Lord!'" We parted with a hug and a promise to look for each other at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

    We never know what a day will bring, but when we bring Christ to the center stage, we know it's going to be a glorious day!

"When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said, 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One. I was dead and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.'" Revelation 1: 17-18

Just As We'd Been Told

 "The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." Luke 2:20

    When pondering the Christmas account of the Bethlehem shepherds found in Luke's gospel, I thought about them hurrying off to check on the validity of the angel's heavenly message. 

    The angel had said, "This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby..." Sure enough, "they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby who was lying in a manger." (Luke 2: 15-16, emphasis mine) This was cause for praise when they found things were " just as they had been told."

    This brought to mind similar occasions in scripture. 

    When the disciples asked Jesus where they should prepare their celebration of Passover, Jesus sent two of them saying, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks, "Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?" He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there." Guess what? "The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them." (Mark 14: 13-15, emphasis mine)

    Again, as Jesus approached Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He sent two of his disciples ahead saying, "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here." Is it any surprise when "those who were sent ahead went and found it just as He had told them."? (Luke 19: 29-32, emphasis mine)

    Ribbons of prophecies and their fulfillments are woven throughout scripture, from the virgin birth to the betrayal of Jesus and more. These came true just as we had been told. God speaks with faithful precision; no purpose of his will ever be thwarted. On that, we can hang our hats.

    Apply this truth to the prophecies yet to be fulfilled and ask yourself, "Will this really come to pass?"

Here are three examples to ponder:

• "Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. On that day, his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west...The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day, there will be one Lord, and his name the only name." (Zechariah 14: 3, 4, 9)
• "'Men of Galilee,' they (the angels) said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'" (Acts 1:11)
• "Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." (Matthew 24: 30-31)

    I think the rest of the story goes like this: And we will find it just as we'd been told. Do you agree?