All our fret and worry is caused by calculating without God.
From Psalm 37:8: “Refrain from anger and forsake wrath. Do not fret—it leads only to evil.”
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.
There was nothing dark and hidden about Jesus. He was and is the Light of the world, and He welcomed the Light.
From John 8:12: “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'”
Samuel Logan Brengle (1860-1936) was a Commissioner in the Salvation Army. He served as a leading author, teacher, and preacher on the doctrine of Holiness.
Quote from Irish theologian, Alister McGrath: “To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.”
Scripture from Jeremiah 17:7-8: “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes,and its leaves shall stay green;in the year of drought it is not anxious,and it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Sitting in our new apartment, surrounded by waiting boxes of life’s contents, I am struck by the peace found in God’s precious gifts.
As my own journey has stretched from July into August, I find myself embracing the divine connections of being rooted with our heavenly Father.
Travels to my see my Montana family always provide a testament of God’s love. The light of Christ maps out tomorrow’s steps.
This summer’s trip was filled with bittersweet emotions. My mother, Martha, struggles with the early stages of dementia. Yet, she remains physically healthy while her mind deals with daily challenges.
Returning from my Montana roots, the Buckeye state always welcomes me back. I am thankful that Colleen and I are now living in a ground level apartment. Those dreaded, unforgiving stairs of our former home will slowly become a fading memory.
Quote from Alister McGrath: “True love involves a willingness to change, to become more like the ones we love. Love is dynamic, not static. God may accept us just as we are—but He isn’t going to leave us there.”
Scripture from Lamentations 3:22-24: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,His mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”
Nearing the conclusion of our move, Colleen and I faced one more challenge—softened by Christ’s own healing grace.
Making a final trip down the stairs of our soon to be former apartment, Colleen lost her balance and tumbled down several steps. Landing on the floor in front of the door, she was injured and bleeding. After an overnight stay at the hospital, it was revealed that she sustained a concussion. The nasty cut on the back of her head was treated. Fortunately, she sustained no broken bones or brain trauma.
Quote from American writer, Matthew Edward Hall: “Heal the roots, to see the tree grow vibrant.”
Scripture from Jeremiah 30:17: “For I will restore health to you,and your wounds I will heal, says the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion; no one cares for her!’”
Colleen is healing, and our ground level apartment is fully functional. We both praise God’s mercy as we move forward into the next chapter of our lives.
I have appreciated my many readers and guests who have been patient during my absence these past several weeks. Beginning with today’s post, I am eager to renew my writing journey with you. God’s peace be with each of you.
Grateful perspectives do not protect us from the challenges of life, but they do offer us the means to navigate them.
From 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
From John 12:44-46: “Then Jesus cried aloud: ‘Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in Him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees Him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.'”
From Psalm 23:5-6: “You prepare a table before mein the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meall the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lordmy whole life long.”
Following prayer and reading my Bible, my thoughts went into writing this special poem. Indeed, there is nothing more precious than life. On March 17, 2021, my stepfather, Ed, went to the Lord. The love he shared with my mother (his loving Martha) was boundless, and I was blessed to share my Christian faith with him. The unconditional love given by my mother to her blessed Ed will be a lasting gift because it has been witnessed by so many others.
Faith is letting down our nets into the transparent deeps at the Divine command, not knowing what we shall draw.
From Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would approach God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”
Francois Fenelon (1651-1715) was a French theologian, poet, and writer. He has been widely remembered as the author of THE ADVENTURES OF TELEMACHUS.
God not only orders our steps. He orders our stops.
From Psalm 119:133: “Keep my steps steady according to your promise, and never let iniquity have dominion over me.“
German-born George Muller (1805-1898) was a Christian evangelist. Later in his life, he and his wife spent 17 years involved with missionary travel throughout the world.
Big Sky Buckeye 