Quelling emotions
Welcome each blossoming change—
Sunrise sets table
Friend’s steady guidance
Tomorrow’s journey brightens—
Today’s welcome steps
Encouragement’s light
Harvest of welcome choices—
Resilience well-knit
If God is not at the center of your life, something else is.
From Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Tim Keller (1950-2023) was an American pastor and Christian theologian.
From Psalm 34:4-5: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant, so your faces shall never be ashamed.”
Reading Father’s Word
Answers come to thee
Praising from heart’s depths
Darkness at last flees
Filling hope’s goodness
Father shares His grace
Nourishing with love
Wisdom to embrace
Walking with Father
His righteousness speaks
Directing each step
Enemy now meek
Praying for guidance
Father bends earth’s light
Sending Christ to lead
Mercy taking flight
Following Jesus
Faith’s journey brightens
Choosing Him each day
His peace enlightens
From John 5:20-21: “The Father loves the Son and shows Him all that He Himself is doing, and He will show Him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever He wishes.”
In the United States, the “Pledge of Allegiance” has been recited countless times in school classrooms, at the beginning of meetings, sporting events, and other instances. The original 29 words were inspired by the writings of Francis Bellamy (from 1892) and became official in 1923. In 1954, the words, “under God” were added. These 31 words mean much more than just a mere collection of words.
We the People, commit to stand
With loyalty across this land
Stars and Stripes shall forever fly
Old Glory standing proud and high
Solidarity, stand as One
United, never be undone
A more perfect Union shall spring
Shining democracy will ring
Tested, resilient, and upright
Faithful courage, nation’s birthright
Built upon God’s eternal love
Divine guidance comes from above
Inseparable and lasting
Forged by trial and fire’s casting
Covering this land of the free
Freedom from sea to shining sea
Conquers inequities with care
Truth and righteousness come to bear
I have posted this video before, but it is worth a second look. Here is American comedian, Red Skelton, sharing his interpretation of the words’ meaning in the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Originally published January, 2021.
Sunrise brightens this day
Framing with precious light
Adventure comes this way
Guiding morning’s delights
Clearest blue sky above
Releasing gentle voice
Blessed with Creator’s love
Calling self to rejoice
Stillness of ocean’s breeze
Finding life’s missing piece
Each hour dissolves unease
Unlocking time’s new lease
Peaceful waters spread out
Prevailing winds called forth
Navigation’s new route
Setting compass true north
From Matthew 14:22-24: “Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.”
Life’s storms intensify
Overcoming with fear
Facing each hostile sea
Darkness, nothing seems clear
Spiritual squalls come
Turning world upside down
Battered by strongest gales
Fearing each wave’s knockdown
Christ’s love intercedes
Praying hands, clay’s potter
Mountains to heavens
Walking on calm water
Jesus never leaves us
Storms quietly subside
His blessed protection
Lasting, sovereign guide
Fear not, faith’s spark ablaze
Christ’s true light boldly seeds
Following Son of God
Hope ripens from His deeds
From Matthew 14:25-27: “And early in the morning He came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.'”
Originally published December, 2020.
From Deuteronomy 30:19-20: “Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, and holding fast to Him, for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”
Choosing to follow
Father’s divine Word
Walking in His ways
Heaven’s light unblurred
Cherishing each day
Father softens heart
Guiding Spirit’s breath
Truth offers fresh start
Taking trusted path
Father’s saving grace
Perishing no more
Hope’s refreshing pace
Strengthening faith’s roots
Father’s tender hand
Living waters shine
Darkness cannot stand
Observing sin’s filth
Father sends His Son
Washing away debts
Mercy breathes through One
From Psalm 1:1-2: “Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path that sinners tread or sit in the seat of scoffers, but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law they meditate day and night.”
From James 1:5: “ If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.”
Life’s distant horizon
Questions sometimes remain
Seeking direction from God
His Word opens wisdom’s lane
Tomorrow’s shadows wait
Doubts filling empty heart
Nourishing grace sustains faith
God’s wisdom offers fresh start
From waves of churning seas
Promised answers shall rise
Embracing God’s blessed love
Wisdom colors daily skies
More struggles shall arrive
Faith’s endurance shares light
Trusting to always just ask
God’s wisdom remaining bright
From the words of American Christian writer, John Eldredge: “Notice that we must ask. And we will sometimes struggle to hear and struggle with what we hear. But personally, it’s worth it. I’m after the path of life–and He alone knows it.”
God instructs us in what we choose, that is, He guides our common sense, and we no longer hinder His Spirit by continually saying–“Now Lord, what is Thy will?”
From Psalm 25:14: “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes his covenant known to them.”
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.
In a difficult situation one never-failing guide is to ask yourself: “What would Christ have done?”
From John 13:14-15: “ So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”
Robert Baden-Powell (1857-1941) was a British-born army officer, writer, and founder of the Boy Scouts Association.
Big Sky Buckeye 