Camping with Jesus

 "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them...for those who fear Him lack nothing." Psalm 34:7, 9

    There's a unique vulnerability which surrounds camping. 

    Maybe this is due to the act of packing up, leaving what's familiar and going into unknown territory. Questions linger. Will we get lost? Will the trailer hitch hold as we drive? Are there bears in those woods?

    The foods stored in a cooler and cooked on a rudimentary stove always taste differently. Neighbors come and go; some are agreeable while others not so much. The crackling campfire casts its embers skyward beneath a canopy of stars not seen in the city, while crickets strum a lullaby beneath the pines. 

    Living the Christian life is much like camping. When a sinner repents, he leaves his life of sin, picks up his cross daily and follows Jesus into the unknown (Luke 9:23). Now the camper has hitched his trailer to the King and heads out, walking by faith and not by sight. The Bible is his map, the Holy Spirit his GPS.

    He's like Abraham who,"when called to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he didn't know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations whose architect and builder is God." (Hebrews 11: 8-10)

    The trappings of this world now seem like rubbish to the camper when compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, for whose sake he has lost all things, as did the Apostle Paul (see Philippians 3: 7-9). There is a certain vulnerability in leaving one's former life behind, but oh, the joys of life on the road with Jesus, who encamps around those who fear Him.

    Count the cost before hitting the road. The rich young man who approached Jesus had asked Him what he must do to get eternal life. He had followed all the commandments, but he wasn't willing to follow the Commander, who had required that he sell his possessions and follow Him. "When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." (Matthew 19:22) He didn't want to go camping, I guess.

    As for me, I'd rather gaze at the One who made the stars, listening to the crickets together in the warmth of the fire He has made, than to gain all the temporary riches of this world.

    I wonder where He'll lead me today?

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?'" Matthew 16: 24-26

Welcome Home!

 "I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people." Leviticus 26:12

"My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people." Ezekiel 37:27

    With great expectation, Dave and I went to the airport to greet our daughter and her two children who had not come to our home since last May. While we waited I did some people watching. One woman waited rather impatiently, checking her timepiece and looking often down the corridor. Two men passed by carrying a sign that said, "Welcome Home!" A happy family of four joyously ran up to their kin as the children greeted their grandparents. Soon it would be our time for this elation.

    Though daily photographs and phone calls from our daughter bring us such comfort, nothing beats an honest-to-goodness in-person hug. Boy, did we deliver! 

    I got to thinking about this. If I feel this strongly about seeing my descendants, I can only imagine how my heavenly Father feels when His children, on whom He has lavished such love, run into His arms.

     Ribboned throughout the Bible we see how God longs to be reunited with people. He, who once walked with mankind in the garden until sin entered the world, set into action a plan to bridge our gap. That plan was Jesus, the Holy Son of God, who came down to earth in person and made His dwelling among us (John 1:14), sacrificing His life to pay for our sins and redeem us from death. For those who believe upon His Name, transferring their trust onto Him, He sends his Holy Spirit to live within us as a deposit or a guarantee of His return (2 Corinthians 1:22).

    It's a true comfort to commune daily with the Spirit divine, speaking with God through prayer, and listening for response through the Scriptures. These are like the long-distance substitutes that guard our relationship with our kinfolk.

    But, praise the Lord, that's not the end of the story. When Jesus comes again, we shall see Him face-to-face; honest-to-goodness and in-person! The separation will finally be over as we all sit down at the banquet table to enjoy the marriage supper of the Lamb. It will be the most glorious family reunion ever.

    WELCOME 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 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

    

A Man Named Bill

 "Today, if only you would hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." Psalm 95: 7-8

    Before I left for an appointment, I prayed that God would lead me to someone who needs Him. To encourage the matter, I wore my "Jesus is King" tee shirt, which did indeed spark a conversation with a man named Bill and his smiling wife, Laura. They complimented me on my apparel, so I sat next to them.

    As God would have it, a software glitch caused a delay in our appointments allowing time to talk. Soon, Bill was telling me that, though he has searched for God in various kinds of churches, though he has been told many times over that there is a God and though he sees it for himself in creation, and though his wife is a Christian, he still cannot take that last step of faith. Physically, he was up in years and down on health, even close to dying at one point last year. His wife pleads for him in prayer, but, as Bill said, "I have to see to believe, and I just don't see it."

    Praying for guidance, I told him of the grace of our Lord Jesus who showed Doubting Thomas his hands and side (John 20:27), and that it is even merciful of God to allow us free will. We do not have to come to Him, but are gently and lovingly invited. Yet, any verse or tenet of my faith I offered, Bill had heard before and remained unconvinced. With tears in his eyes, his frustration was apparent, so I looked at him in love and said, "Jesus loves you and He always will."

    An old adage my mom often used says, "Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today." To delay a haircut or procrastinate over an oil change, these do not begin to compare with the putting off of one's eternal destination, for as Solomon wrote, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." (Proverbs 27:1) The words of the Apostle Paul further expound: "I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2)

    Bill weighs heavily on my heart, as do a host of loved ones who are going their own way, so I kneel in prayer for them. God is patient, He does not want anyone to perish as He demonstrated on the cross, but one of these days will be our last one. Then what? 

If only you would hear His voice.

"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1: 8-9

Gone Fishin'

 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." Matthew 4:19

    When my great-nephew, Mason, was around twelve years old, I took him fishing. He had come prepared with a pole and a bucket of worms. His dad had assured me Mason knew how to fish, which fancied me just fine since I am not partial to the activity. Even the thought of putting a worm on the hook made me squeamish.

    Out on the pier, he put the hapless worm into the water and, in no time, he drew up a fish! After a moment of celebration, it was time to release the catch, but Mason motioned for me to do this odious task saying he didn't know how it was done. Well, neither did I! We bantered back and forth about it until it became clear that it was up to the adult to take it off the hook. As soon as I reached for it, the poor thing began to furiously flap about and I let out a scream. I then employed a seasoned fisherman on the next pier to help us. Then we went home.

    When Jesus called the first disciples, He walked beside the Sea of Galilee and invited four fishermen to fish for men and women. "At once they left their nets and followed him." (Matthew 4:20)

    I wish I were as eager as they were.

    Why do I have such fear and reticence when it comes to sharing my most precious possession: my faith in Jesus? I have wasted more time fishing around in the murky waters trying to draw up that smelly sack of my sins that Jesus hurled in there, paying no heed to His posted sign: "No Fishing." (see Micah 7:19)  

    Why do I do this? 

    Then I considered the Great Commission in which Jesus said, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28: 19-20) The very word "commission" defines it as a co-mission, meaning Jesus and I are fishing together! I have His promise that seals it right there in the verse.

    Instead of wasting time listening to the Accuser, I am going to follow Jesus to the pier. He has all the gear, He holds the license and the "fish" belong to Him. He just wants me to come along and share my story with others. 

    I can gladly do that, no worms involved!

"Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples didn't realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, 'Friends, haven't you any fish?'

"'No,' they answered.

"He said, 'Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.' When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish." John 21: 5-6 

     

    

    

     

The Wedding

 "You will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:11

    It was dubbed "The Wedding of the Centuries," and since I was a skillful writer, I was chosen to cover the story. It was the chance of a lifetime, a most coveted opportunity, one I was beyond excited to report.

    Taking my seat among the others of the press box, I breathed a sigh of relief for having the necessary credentials for admittance to the gala of such magnanimous opulence. This regal wedding had no precedence, for no other such occasion could begin to rival the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

    The King of kings, also known as the Great I Am and the Lion of Judah, had chosen a bride whom, we had heard, He will crown with love and compassion, replacing her raiment of ashes and despair. Every ear had heard about this, but no eye had yet seen.

    So we waited. Cameras poised. Pens in hand. Then, as the symphony of stringed instruments ebbed and flowed, the aromas of myrrh and aloes, comingled with cassia, announced His arrival. Every knee bowed as the Bridegroom, clothed in splendor and majesty, strode from His chamber, his sword girded on his side. Like the sun that rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other, nothing was deprived of His warmth.

    Jesus Christ, who had ridden forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice, had been given the place of authority at the right hand of God. The kingdom of the world had become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and with the scepter of justice, He shall reign forever and ever. His right hand achieved awesome deeds; sharp arrows had pierced the hearts of the King's enemies. The nations had fallen beneath His feet! His throne, where palaces were adorned with ivory, will last forever and ever. And now, in the fullness of time, with the last enemy having become His footstool, the King had come for his bride.

    Who was she, this most honored of all women? Who was this Princess, all glorious within her chamber, who had kept her lamp filled with oil and the wick trimmed while her Kinsman-Redeemer went to prepare a place for her? Rumor had it she had made herself ready; fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. The media leaked that she had adorned herself with her jewels and her gown was interwoven with the gold of Ophir.

    From my seat in the press box, I had been writing what I was witnessing at a frenzied pace, not wanting to miss one detail of the scene, but now this pregnant pause poised my pen above paper as we all awaited the arrival of the bride.

    Behold! What was this unexpected commotion to my left? I turned to see the steward of the King coming to me with an urgent message:

    "Listen, daughter," he began, "and pay careful attention. Forget your people and your father's house. Let the King be enthralled by your beauty; honor Him, for He is your Lord." I could not believe my ears, but he continued. "Because you made peace with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you have gained access by faith into this grace in which you now stand. In embroidered garments, you will be led to the King, followed by your virgin companions. You will enter the palace of the King in joy and gladness!"

    Me? I am the Bride of Christ?! It seemed incredible that this lowly reporter, seated at the very end of the press box, was worthy to occupy the seat of honor at the banquet table.

    As I rose on shaky legs, I heard the steward say, "Come!" to others that had been chosen since before the creation of the world. "Come! Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." We, who believed in the death and resurrection of Jesus, were all the bride of Christ.

    As we shed our earthly tents, we donned the righteous robes of Christ for, without the proper attire, the King will tie that interloper hand and foot and throw him into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

    What a happy throng we made, this heavenly host arrayed in white. We joined the chorus of angels singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." As we filed into the great banquet hall, God Himself dwelt among us, making sure to wipe any tears from our eyes. Those days of mourning, crying or pain had passed away.

    An angel graciously helped me find my place at the long table, heavy laden with fresh flowers and the richest of fare. Golden plates gleamed and crystal stemware sparkled by the light of the Son. My heart skipped with joy when I espied my name card at the center of the place setting. My name! Inscribed beneath were these words:

 "I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name. You are mine."

Love, Jesus

Scriptures were drawn from: Psalm 45, Psalm 19:5, Isaiah 43:1, 54:5, 55:2, 61:10, 62:5, Matthew 22: 1-14, 25:5, John 14: 2-3, Romans 5:2, Philippians 2:10, Hebrews 10:13, Revelation 4:8, 11:15, 19:7, 21: 2-9, 22:17

    

I Remain Convinced

 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 37-39

    Forty-five years ago, I was married the first time. In love, I moved fourteen hundred miles away and, at age 19 plunged into a world where I was convinced our spousal love for one another was enough, all I ever needed.

    It only took a few years for all that to be unraveled. Truth is, I'd built my house on sand.

    Had God stopped loving me, too?

    One troubled day when home alone, I opened my Bible where the Holy Spirit guided me to the crown jewel of scripture: Romans chapter eight. Here I learned what true love looks like:

"If God is for us, who can be against us?

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all,

how will he not also, along with Him,

graciously give us all things?"

Romans 8: 31-32

    As I read these same glorious words today, at age 64, I cried tears of joy because my life has become living proof of the truth of God's word. Let me show you:

    Has death separated me from God? When my mom died, I wondered how I would ever get past that, yet God never left my side. He soothed my ache and brought me to a place of improved confidence in my walk with Him. (Psalm 116:15)

    Has life separated me? No, nothing in life, except for my own waywardness, has built a wall between my God and me. He has even gifted me with two grandchildren. May I pass this truth on to this next generation.

    Have angels or demons driven us apart? No. I recall the frightful time I saw an evil form at the foot of my bed. When I called out to God, he banished my fear saying, "Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) He delivers me from evil.

    What about the present or the future? Will God ever leave me? How can I know for sure? The Good Shepherd, who knows me by name, has promised to never let go of my hand. He has sealed me with His Holy Spirit; that is my guarantee. (Ephesians 1: 13-14)

    Should I fear the powers in the world? On 9/11 it seemed our world was coming to a violent end. I had laid prostrate on my living room floor, crying out, "God, help us!" He was in the midst of it, sending helpers to restore order, rescue others and provide comfort.

    Is there anything else in all creation that He hasn't conquered for me, His child? Since even the grave has released its bony grip when Christ arose, I need not fear the worst. To be apart from the body means I am in the arms of my Savior. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

    God has restored my home, so when all the storms of life batter against me, I remain convinced that on Christ the Solid Rock I'll stand for all eternity. He's all I've ever needed.

   

Who, Me?!

 "'So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.'" Exodus 3:10

    Years ago, my dad had a sign depicting a stern-faced Uncle Sam pointing forward declaring, "I want YOU for the U.S. Army." It was used to recruit soldiers.

    Sometimes, I think of this sign when I feel the Lord pointing at me, directing me to Go! I turn to see if He's possibly pointing at someone behind me, someone better qualified. Seeing no one there, I respond, "Who, Me?" 

    I join Moses when I say, "Who am I that I should go?" (Exodus 3:11) 

    Maybe Moses remembered the dead Egyptian whom he killed and hastily buried in the sand. Or he may have recalled the time he spoke up when two Hebrews were fighting. They adopted an attitude as they sneered at Moses saying, "Who made you ruler and judge over us?" (Exodus 2:12, 14) Then, when Moses discovered one of these men had seen him kill that Egyptian, he fled for Midian where he spent forty years trying to forget the past.

    Now God wanted him, of all people, to return!

    I'm sure Satan, our accuser, wasted no time in refreshing Moses's memory when he had tried to be "ruler and judge" on his own strength. But God had other plans. He wanted Moses.

    After Moses had exhausted all arguments before God, he obeyed the Lord. When he went forth to Egypt, God Himself went with him (Exodus 3:12). With the great I AM as his strength, an average shepherd's staff became a weapon used to demolish strongholds.

    Returning back to me, another average person with a list of sins and excuses before an immutable, omnipotent God, who am I that I should deny the request of the great I AM? What an honor it is that He should consider recruiting me in His army! 

    Of course I'll join! Like the prophet Isaiah, when he heard the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" may my hand be the first to shoot up: "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8) I can't wait to see what'll happen next.

"God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So, we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'" Hebrews 13: 5-6

     

When Sadness Has No Face

 "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:11

    A pervasive sadness lingered near me all week. It had no face, no name, and arrived without invitation. One day, there it was. From whence it came, I do not know or I would have returned it. Its form was gloomy, a slump-shouldered shadow which shuffled a half-pace behind me everywhere I went - even into the Lord's house on Sunday. 

    With cloaked tears, I denied the lump in my throat and greeted others at church, not willing to express what had no reason, no rhyme. I rejoiced with another believer as she shared her testimony. With raised hands I sang "Victory in Jesus." After the service, the azure sky, which wore the sun like a dazzling diamond pendant, greeted me while mild breezes ruffled the maples' skirts. In robust health, I strode to my paid-for car and drove to my God-given home where larders were full.

    Why was my soul so downcast within me?

    The afternoon wore on; I kept myself busy until I decided a bike ride was in order. The gloomy form came along. Easily breezing down the street, I closed my eyes to further appreciate my strong limbs, thankful for my sense of balance, enjoying the way the wind blew my hair as birds exchanged pleasantries in branches above.

    I paused to see a white picket fence which proudly stood sentry behind an array of graceful blossoms of vivid orange and diaphanous blue. Tall blooms bearing feminine curves teased the diminutive pink stars with five perfect points, yet it was in good fun as they reveled in just being alive. Their upturned faces seemed to smile at the Creator in this mini-Eden along my way. 

    Beneath my sunglasses, the pent-up tears came unbidden when I realized what a holy moment this was, for I was standing in the Presence of God, gazing upon the beauty of the Lord. The words of my Beautiful Savior came to my downcast soul:

    "See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was arrayed as one of these." (Matthew 6: 28-29)

    If the fragile blooms, that were here for just a brief time, spent all their days in ceaseless praise, how much more shall I who was made in the image of God? I stooped to scoop the fallen orange petals, rubbing their velvety skin between my fingers in childlike wonder, and though the sadness still tagged along, it diminished in size and strength when I decided to praise the Lord anyhow, placing my hope in His pierced hands.

    

    

Each Life Matters

 "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish." Matthew 18: 12-14

    Recently, David and I traveled with a group on a bus trip to Holland, Michigan. We were two of forty-eight passengers, besides the driver, Linda, and the escort, Russ. Every time the group reboarded after a stop, the escort made a careful count of the passengers. 

    As Russ passed my seat, I ventured to inquire, "Does the bus ever leave if one is missing?" to which he vehemently responded, "Never!"

    His persistent counting of heads reminded me of the Lord Jesus. As the Chief Shepherd and Overseer of our souls, He is no less conscientious than our tour escort as He minds the sheepfold. 

    As I pondered this within the above scripture, it occurred to me that the lost sheep is a believer who had wandered away from the faith. To illustrate this, if a passenger had been missing from our bus, Russ would not have gone out and grabbed anybody from the street corner to fill the seat. No, he would, of course, make a careful search for the one who held the ticket to ride. No passenger is forced to get on the bus; they come willingly.

    To be a passenger on the bus to eternal life, the ticket price has been paid for by the blood of the Shepherd Himself, who laid down His life for us. To board the bus, one must leave his life of sin by accepting the free ticket and riding in the direction God takes him. And if he should wander off, the Escort will make a careful search for him, not leaving without him!

    I have been riding God's bus for many years now and I love it. The Driver knows the way like the back of his hand. The passengers are protected from harm. We are well fed and cared for tenderly. The scenery is always changing and the destination promises to be more than we could ever imagine. The fellow passengers are friendly, and there's plenty of room for more to join us. 

    The door is open! Come on!

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10

"The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

If My People

 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

    As part of the celebration of our country's 250th birthday, May 17, 2026 has been proclaimed a national day of rededication to God. I was grateful to read online the following: "Rededicate 250 will be rooted in giving thanks for God's presence in our national life throughout 250 years of American history and asking for his guidance." On that day, there will be a gathering at the Mall in Washington D. C. for worship and prayer.

    Over the past several years, my heart has been broken for my country. The lines of division and acrimony have been so sharply drawn, they are almost visible. What will become of the United States? Jesus said in the gospel of Mark, "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." (3: 24-25) 

    My thoughts traveled to Nineveh, the wayward capital of Assyria, to which the prophet Jonah was sent by God to preach against it, because their wickedness had come up before the Lord. The man, Jonah, was very reluctant to do this in light of the barbarism his countrymen had endured at the hands of the Ninevites. Perhaps he felt God's merciful forgiveness should not have been extended to them.

    But God's ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than ours! (Isaiah 55:9)

    When Jonah finally made it to Nineveh, he rather half-heartedly went around saying, "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown." (Jonah 3:4) Though he wasn't the most dynamic evangelist, the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast and, at the king's direction, all from the greatest to the least donned sackcloth to demonstrate repentance. Within the king's decree, he said, "Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish." (Jonah 3:9)

    That is exactly what happened. When God saw they had humbled themselves and turned from their wicked ways, he did not bring on destruction after all.

    Each one of us must come to God in humility and repentance. Remember, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) Please consider kneeling with others in rededication with a broken and contrite heart on May 17th. Only God can turn this thing around.

     

    

Wait

 "Wait for the Lord; be strong, take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14

    It delights me to say Mr. and Mrs. Bluebird have taken up residence in our back yard. 

    As I was peeling an obstinate orange the other day, I glanced out the kitchen window toward the nesting box where they live. There was Mrs. Bluebird peering out the round window, looking this way and that. She remained doing so for quite a while, so I began to ponder life from her perspective. 

    What must it be like to be the one who has to wait? She has a job to fulfill, tending the nest while the Mr. goes about searching for food, but her stance at the window seems to indicate a worried waiting. Perhaps she is asking herself, "What if Mr. Bluebird met with a predator, a hungry hawk or a sleek cat? What if he's laying in a ditch somewhere, the lifeblood oozing out of him? What if he never comes back? Then what?" 

    We who wait for the Lord Jesus are not unlike this little bird, are we? We're in our little corners of the world, tending our nests to the best of our ability, but then we start to wonder, "How long, Lord?" 

    I get tired of waiting.

    But, unlike Mrs. Bluebird, we have no reason to worry. Here's why:

• Jesus has no predators! "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matthew 28:18) "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them by the cross." (Colossians 2:15)
• Death has no power over Jesus! "But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." (Acts 2:24) "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!" (Luke 24: 5-6)
• Jesus is coming again! "From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." (Matthew 26:64) "'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)

    Jesus has gone on to prepare a place for us. The reassurance he gave to his disciples is meant for us as well when he declared, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am." (John 14:3)

    

    In the meantime, we do not wait idly. We have a job to do: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)

    

    Those baby birds in our care must learn what we already know before they fly off. 

"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the Master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose Master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions." Matthew 24: 45-47

Watch!

 "If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" Mark 13:36-37

    Seasoned fishermen were traveling to the other side of the Sea of Galilee one evening when a furious squall arose. Waves broke over the sides of the boat until they were nearly swamped. It's easy to imagine the flurry of action that took place involving the bailing of water, the shouting of commands and the adjustment of sails. Meanwhile, Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. The frantic disciples shook Him awake with ragged voices saying, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" 

    After Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves, it became completely calm. Turning to His followers He quizzed, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:35-40)

    Allow me to paint a different scene. On a quiet evening after a full Passover meal, Jesus and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane, a grove on the Mount of Olives. Taking Peter, James and John further into the garden with Him, Jesus implored them to stay awake, watch and pray so that they would not fall into temptation. As the three dozed to a serenade of crickets beneath a moonlit expanse, a stone's throw away the soul of their Master was swamped with sorrow to the point of death as He pled with the Father in deep distress. Three times, He returned to His friends, only to find them sleeping. (Mark 14: 32-42)

    A storm of a very different nature was brewing in the heavenly realms that moonlit night as the clash of good verses evil rang out at a fevered pitch. The very climax of history, when Time would be cleaved in two like the veil in the temple, was fast approaching when the Son of Man would be lifted up drawing all people to Himself (John 12:32). Satan, that snake of deceit, would soon slither 'round His nailed feet on Calvary as if to taunt, "Try to crush my head beneath your heel now!" (Genesis 3:15) 

    Which scene is more conducive to sleep? The tempest on the lake or the dark, quiet garden? Yet, which of the two is more volatile with lasting results? 

    When Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse (see Mark 13), He implored the listeners (which includes you and me) to "Watch out...You must be on your guard...Pray...Keep watch...Be alert!" He warned against false prophets, persecution, rebellion and betrayal, while of physical threats such as wars and rumors of wars, he said, "Do not be alarmed." 

    In this world, we will have trouble which include literal storms like disease, tornadoes or even murder that threaten to take our very lives, but to lose one's soul is far worse. That is referred to as the "second death." (Revelation 20:6, 21:8) Of the attacks that threaten our faith in the promises of God, of these we must be alert, on guard and never sleeping, for if we lose that, we lose everything.

"What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their own soul? (Matthew 16:26)

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28

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?

Truly Wise Men

 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you...The one who seeks finds." Matthew 7: 7-8

"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'" Matthew 2: 1-2

    Our pastor's wife asked me if I would be a Wise Man in the Christmas pageant this year. In preparation for my role, I have pondered the account of the wise men as told in Matthew's gospel. 

    They were a rather mysterious group, weren't they? Also known as the Magi, perhaps their study of the Scriptures combined with astrology propelled them to drop everything and follow "his" star, the star that led the way to the Light of the World. 

    What if they had chosen the comforts of home instead of traversing for miles in search of the King of the Jews? But no, these truly wise men packed up their treasures and went to find the Pearl of great price. (Matthew 13:46)

    I noticed in this story that faith involves action. They asked, they sought and they found. The same holds true throughout the Bible.

    For example, consider the wee tax collector, Zacchaeus. Wanting to see who Jesus was, he sought the best vantage point provided by a sycamore-fig tree, and he was not disappointed when Jesus called him by name. "So he came down and welcomed Him gladly." (Luke 19:6)

    Or how about the actions of the unnamed woman who touched the hem of His garment, seeking healing? "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed," she thought. (Mark 5: 27-28) Immediately it was so.

   Then there were the friends of the paralyzed man whose efforts to take him to Jesus were bogged down by the crowd. Undeterred, they came up with Plan B and lowered the man through the roof. (Luke 5:19) Seeing their faith, Jesus healed this man, too.

    The Bible says when we seek, we shall find. What are we looking for? 

    As the angel told the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks by night: "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." The angel went on to say, "You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." (Luke 2: 11-12) When we seek for a Savior, we find Jesus and none other. 

    Only He is deserving of our obedience, our gifts and our worship.

"On coming to the house, they saw the Child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2:11 

    What a sight that must have been, a snapshot of the glorious worship we will give to our King as we surround His throne by the glassy sea!

"Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.'" Revelation 4: 9-11