The Watery Rut

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.

Genesis 12:1-4 (NIV)

Sunlight glistened from the wake of a creature in my lake. Its route passed close to the shore, turned and ventured back to its same path. 

            The speed of the critter was too fast for a turtle. The wake too large for a snake. From a distance, I thought perhaps it was a duck or snake bird. Binoculars proved it was neither of them nor an otter. 

            Day after day I watched the unusual pattern in the lake but couldn’t figure out what it was. Then my neighbor took a video of the perplexing animal and determined it was a large carp. 

            The fish’s long, shiny body slithered through the water. Occasionally, its tail fin protruded like a menacing shark. Instead of crossing the lake, the carp circled an area in front of my home. 

            It could have explored the entire lake but remained within a relatively small section. Back and forth it went but never far from shore. Perhaps food was plentiful there. Maybe other animals stayed away. But the unusual fish never found out if food was more abundant and flavorful near the far shore. What did he miss by staying in the same place? 

            Perhaps we do the same thing. Instead of venturing into new territories and situations, do we remain where everything is familiar? Are we afraid to take risks and explore new opportunities? 

            I don’t want to be like the carp who is caught in a watery rut but look forward to investigating untried adventures and challenges whether big or small. 

            . The main thing is to not be afraid to get out of the rut.  

Loving Father, show us how to explore and enjoy your world. There are so many opportunities that we miss when we are afraid to leave our routine. Give us courage to listen and obey when you lead us.

Amen

Flee Like a Deer

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

As the sun rose behind the forest, I settled into my morning routine on my patio. With an open Bible and devotionals ready, an unusual movement outside caught my eye. 

            A doe sauntered along my shore in the dim light. Her head turned and megaphone ears pointed toward me. 

            I became a statue to avoid any sound or motion that would scare her away. She walked a few steps, stopped, faced me and turned away to sample fresh needles from one of my cypress trees. 

            At the same time, another deer came into view. I barely breathed as the splendid duo visited my yard for a few minutes. Then without another glance at me, they continued their morning stroll along the lake. 

            God made the striking creatures with an especially sharp sense of hearing and smell. Their strong legs carry them swiftly from danger. They constantly stop, look, smell and listen to protect themselves from any threat. As soon as they discern possible peril, they flee. 

            We can learn from the deer. Although our hearing and smell are not as keen as deer, God has given us other ways to discern possible risks. Daily, we can pause to see if danger lurks in who or what we listen to and participate in. Are we involved in following people or ideas that are contrary to God’s Word? Do we get swept along with the crowd to feel accepted instead of standing firmly with our values? Instead of conforming to the world, do we flee from harmful people, activities and beliefs? 

            The deer showed how they calmly search for danger but didn’t become anxious. What a valuable lesson for us. 

Loving Father, show us how to be in your world but not to be entangled by it. Show us how to sense danger and flee so we live the way you want us to live. 

Amen

Darkness over the Light

It was now the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Luke 23:44-46 (NIV)

A burst of pink erupted from darkness and captured the morning. The blaze of color reflected on the lake while a symphony of birds accompanied the glorious, spectacle. 

            However, within minutes, a curtain of gray replaced the vibrant rosy color of the sky and water. An appropriate scene for Good Friday. 

            Over two thousand years ago, Jesus brought his light into a dark world. For three years he patiently taught a ragtag group of twelve men. They left families, homes and jobs to be his chosen disciples. 

            They learned from Jesus as they watched him show compassion and love to outcasts. His methods and instructions clashed with what they had been taught. But they trusted and stayed to learn and love better. They never imagined how their lives would be changed because of Jesus.

        His parables and teachings amazed both his disciples and the throngs who followed him. 

        Healings and the feeding of multitudes brought more and more people to observe the miracles. Many only watched the miraculous signs but others believed he was the Messiah. 

            Religious leaders opposed Jesus. His disciples urged him to avoid Jerusalem because they sought to kill him. Nevertheless, Jesus led them to the Holy city for Passover. 

            Like the gloom that quickly appeared over my lake, the joyful celebration of Palm Sunday faded away with shouts of “Crucify him!”

            Even after declaring allegiance to their Messiah, the disciples deserted him, with one betrayal, as Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers led their Savior away. 

            Fear for their lives, put them into hiding. Peter even denied Jesus publicly three times that night. 

            Jesus endured fake trials and beatings. Alone. Deserted by those who professed loyalty. 

            For us, he hung on a rough cross between two criminals. Despised. Spit on. Mocked. For a time, darkness overcame the Light. 

            Despair filled hearts of the disciples, the loyal women who followed Him and faithful ones in the crowd. Even a few secret followers among the Jewish leaders felt misery. 

            Hope died as he perished on the hated cross. Unanswered questions filled their minds. How could their Messiah die? How could he leave them when they desperately needed to be rescued? 

            Two thousand years later, we often feel lost and in need of rescue too. At times we face darkness that seems unrelenting. The agony of Good Friday reminds us of how Jesus loved us so much that He gave up His life for our sins. 

            Good Friday is a time to reflect and remember how Jesus rescued us. 

Loving Father, what love you have for us to give up Your Son to die for sinners. He endured unfathomable pain and distress for us. Thank you for the gift of salvation. Help us share the Gospel with those who don’t know You.

Amen

 

My Charming Retreat

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-5 (NIV)

After months of staying inside, I ventured out to my patio for a predawn devotional time. Bronchitis and allergies had kept me from enjoying the beauty and solitude of the lake. 

            In the crisp morn, the enchanting view welcomed me back. A half-moon glowed in the inky sky. Its light beamed as the sun gently overtook the darkness. Tweets, trills, and melodies formed a chorus of hidden singers. 

            Swirling mist performed a ballet above the shadowy water. Dragonflies twirled above lakeside plants. Dew drops twinkled on emerald grass. 

            A filmy scarf of pale green adorned bald cypress trees as they emerged from their winter sleep. Pink, yellow, and orange blooms decorated plants that survived winter freezes. 

            Because of so much time inside and having only glimpses of the lake through windows, each part of the incredible scene mesmerized me. Everything seemed new and exciting.

            Following a light rain that washed away some of the pollen, I quickly returned to my favorite spot. However, as I lingered to savor the splendor of the dawn, coughing returned. Unfortunately, allergy season remained. 

            Although I longed to stay outside in my charming retreat, wisdom whispered to leave. Continued exposure to pesky pollen would again attack my body. 

            A choice had to be made. I could pretend to feel good and linger in a not so good environment or I could be sensible and avoid triggers that might cause harm. 

            Each day there are choices to be made. Sometimes between good and bad. Frequently between good and better or even good and best. Immediate desires may push decisions which can lead to undesirable consequences. 

            When I prepared to go into the house, a cardinal chirped. His scarlet feathers glistened as he bid me farewell. A perfect ending to my visit and reminder that eventually, I would be able to return. 

Loving Father, thank you for the creation that speaks to us. Give us wisdom to make the best possible decisions each day. 

Amen

No More Band Aids

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)

As I prayed for numerous friends with all types of difficult circumstances, an image formed in my mind. I stood in a gigantic room with people milling about.

            Band aids stuck to every arm, leg, and face. Large, small, crooked and tattered dressings clung to bodies. No one seemed to notice the strange situation. 

            Silence filled the room. Not one person spoke but they obsessively added more and more bandages. 

            Standing to the side, Jesus watched intently. His compassionate eyes studied each distressed person. 

            My mind and heart opened to the revelation. I had known the answer but understood in a new way as I viewed the unusual scene. 

            Our broken world desperately needs to be fixed. However, we constantly attach our own band aids like little children who think that solves every pain and hurt. 

            In some instances, the damage is slight so we fasten small bandages. At other times, we wrap ourselves in lengthy bindings to cover up all of the painful cuts and bruises. They curtail any contact with other people. Our feeble attempts don’t solve problems but often cause more distress. 

            While we focus on repairing and improving circumstances with our limited abilities, Jesus patiently watches. When we humbly admit we can’t fix ourselves, He nods, smiles and opens His arms. 

            He won’t rush in to yank off all the unsightly dressings that conceal unhealed wounds. However, when we admit we are helpless, He lovingly peels off ugly bandages. Joy replaces discouragement. 

            Although scars may remain, He makes us into new creations. A transformed life replaces our messes. 

            In my vision, Jesus’ arms reached out to embrace all who took steps to Him. Others in the room continued to wander aimlessly and in despair. 

            His smile and gentle nod toward them, directed all new creations to share the news of transformation. A few wanderers edged closer to Him. Some finally hurried to the Lord. 

            Unfortunately, a number looked away defiantly and continued believing they could take care of themselves. 

            Memories of my vision reminded me that Jesus is open to everyone but not all will go to Him. In the meantime, Christians must share their stories of redemption.  

Lord, thank you for making us into new creations when we accept you. Lead us as we share out stories and bring others to Jesus. 

Amen

The Lights

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12 (NIV)

Clouds hung low over the horizon. Waves emerged from the haze and rolled to the shore. A sprinkling of cars drove over the packed sand and parked above the water’s edge. 

             Below the balcony, Smyrna Dunes Park stretched from the grass of the condo to the end of the peninsula at the inlet. Boardwalks traversed through the dense forests and to the beach which allowed visitors to experience nature without damaging it.

            In the distance, a rocky jetty jutted into the ocean. The end disappeared into the mist. 

            Across the inlet, the historic New Smyrna lighthouse stood as a sentinel. Built in 1835, the structure saved sailors from hitting the rocks because of its brilliant light. The gigantic light blinks in the darkness as a tribute to bygone days since modern equipment now provides safety to passing ships.  

            Clouds glowed as the sun rose above the horizon. A break in the curtain of gray, revealed a slice of the golden sphere. Its beams shimmered over the billows. Only a hint of sunrise painted the sky. 

            Clusters of miniature people walked along the almost deserted beach. Surfers waited in the rolling waves to catch the best one. Their dark heads looked like birds huddled on the ocean. From the eighth-floor balcony, everything appeared tiny.

            From my perspective, I could see wee people moving about through the park, on the beach and in the water. But I couldn’t hear their conversations, see their faces or know their thoughts. 

            My attention shifted from the people to the two bright lights. The lighthouse to my left and the sun to my right. For years, the lighthouse served as a beacon and safeguard for sailors. Now it is a focal point for the area and reminder of its past glory.   

            The sun rises every day, never goes out and offers continuous light and warmth even when obscured by clouds. 

            God’s faithfulness endures like the sun He created. He looks down on the world from the heights. Instead of seeing only tiny figures with no details, he peers into our hearts, knows our pain and our joys.

            The light of Jesus shines so we can reflect it to the world. His light isn’t obsolete light the lighthouse. Nor is it hidden behind the clouds like the sun. God’s son lives in us when we accept him and then we can shine brightly with his love in a dark world. 

Loving Father, when we feel alone and discouraged, we can know you are faithful to love and protect us. Show us how we can shine your light as a beacon for those around us.

Amen

The Three-Week Gift

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Stuck on the couch for three weeks with coughing and fatigue. Missing special activities. Sleepless nights. None of it fulfilled my holiday plans.

However, as I read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 a different purpose unfolded. Looking back on the frustration of my extended isolation, I understood that God used my trials for good.

While I snuggled on my couch, a pile of books kept me company. One after another I devoured them as important messages filled my head.

A few were feel good novels which I rapidly read. But most delved into important matters and touched my heart.

A friend’s book, Where No Roads Go by Carin LeRoy, took me to the jungles of Papua New Guinea where she and her family ministered for thirteen years. The constant struggles they faced made my temporary illness seem insignificant. I thought of missionaries all over the world who face dangers, loneliness and heartbreak as they follow God’s calling.

Then I read A Stubborn Hope by Jeanne DeTellis, who served many years as a missionary with her family in Haiti. Extreme challenges faced them but they also felt the call of God for the impoverished of that country.

Tortured for Christ the Complete Story by Richard Wurmbrand graphically detailed the horrors he and his wife faced during years of imprisonment. They never renounced their faith but continued to share the Gospel and began Voice of the Martyrs that continues to assist persecuted Christians around the world.

Each additional book I read about persecuted Christians helped me see the agony they faced but also the joy in following God’s plan. Some of them were released but many gave their lives for God.

A book about teen immigrants, First Crossing edited by Donald Gallo, gave me a perspective on the difficulties of entering a different culture. Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper was about a girl with cerebral palsy which helped me understand living with a condition that most people don’t understand.

As soon as I finished one book, I began another one.

Christian stations kept me informed as I watched several pastors, learned more about ministries, Israel, and our Jewish roots.

My daily devotional time lengthened since I had nowhere to go. I read more of the Bible as I started reading through my Chronological Bible again and studied Scriptures along with daily devotional readings. I hungered for more of the Bible and prayed more often. With fewer distractions, I listened to the Holy Spirit more intently.

Books on religion also gave me insight. I read The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel as my mind absorbed information from many scholars. My list of books continues to grow.

At times, I longed to be with people and resume normal activities.

But today, God revealed to me that I have been on a three- week spiritual retreat. What a magnificent new year’s gift!

As I reflect on what I have learned and experienced, I pray I will be more bold in my faith, pray for guidance daily and become more like Jesus.

Loving Father, thank you for slowing me down so I can know You better. Show me each day what Your plan is for me.

Amen