The Lord Determines My Steps

This week is my mother and father's birthdays: July 14 and July 15. I tell the story almost every year because it is so unusual. Born one day apart and delivered by the same country doctor who made house calls in 1913, they were planned to be together forever. The doctor must have traveled 10-15 miles between the deliveries, maybe on horseback or in a horse and buggy. The details I do not know. They grew up in the same country church but dated other people before eventually getting together and marrying on June 8, 1933. A true love story. Happy birthday in heaven this week, Mom and Daddy.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps," (Proverbs 16:9 NIV).

That verse causes me to reflect on how my plans and my steps were different during my lifetime. I can look back because I am old, but if you are younger and just heading out into the world of college or work you may want to keep this scripture where you can read it often. 

I don't know how much more time I have in this life, but the verse gives me hope. Hope that God will straighten out my messed up course and allow my future steps to lead me where He wants me to go. God can still make something worthwhile, that fulfills His purpose for my life.

God Almighty, use me today to touch someone with Your love and intention. Guide my steps, whether I'm in slippers or flip-flops or shiny leather shoes. Direct me to one who is hurting or lost on the way and may my steps bring cheer and hope to others. Praying in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Walk Humbly With God

Throughout my adult life I have chosen walking as one of my go-to exercises. I can go at my own pace and stop when I get tired. After several weeks of sitting around I finally feel sure enough of my steps that I pulled out my walking shoes once again. Starting with a loop around our cul-de-sac, I try to add a few steps every day. 

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. " (Micah 6:8 NIV).

My favorite hymn growing up was "O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee." I don't remember if it was the tune or the words that I loved most, but my heart is moved by it still.

Written by Washington Gladden, 1836-1918, and H. Percy Smith, 1825-1898, in 1879. America was in the middle of the Industrial Revolution. Gladden was know as a leader in the social gospel movement. A book about hymns* says Gladden was convicted, "that it was the duty of the Christian Church to "elevate the masses not only spiritually and morally, but to be concerned  about their social and economic welfare as well"."

This hymn reminds us that our service for God must always be based on an intimate relationship with Him.

"O Master, let me walk with Thee in lowly paths of service free; tell me Thy secret--help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move by some clear, winning word of love; teach me the wayward feet to stay and guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me Thy patience! still with Thee in closer, dearer company, in work that keeps faith sweet and strong, in trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray friar down the future's broadening way, in peace that only Thou canst give, with Thee, O Master, let me live.

(refrain) O Master, let me walk with Thee In lowly paths of Service free; Tell me Thy secret--help me bear The strain of toil, the fret of care."

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the songs that ring so true, and move us to worship You and walk with You. May each step we take bring us closer to You. We are humbled by Your presence so we bow on our knees in worship and in praise to You alone. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

To God Be the Glory!

*"Amazing Grace 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions" by Kenneth W. Osbeck, 1990.

The Worst Sinner?

I should have learned shorthand.

Do they still teach it? Probably not. Oh, how that would have saved me time and wear on my right hand. After five years of note taking at a weekly newspaper, followed by writing notes for college, then another 11 years as a writer at a community college, my right hand is now full of arthritis. Instead, I now see people entering text directly into their laptops or iPads.

Often I consider the prolific gospel writer, Paul. He frequently wrote while in captivity, probably on papyri and/or parchment. Unlike me, Paul wrote without: a hardwood desk, mechanical pencils or erasable pens, notebooks, folders, a dictionary or thesaurus, or computers. Paul even wrote without AI.

The following scripture was written by Paul, but it could have come from me.

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life," (1 Timothy 1:15-16 NIV).

Jesus Christ changed Paul's life completely: from a tentmaker named Saul who persecuted Christians until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. To a man, chosen by God to bring the Good News to Gentiles,  Jews, and Romans, and even suffering as a martyr for his faith, probably being beheaded in Rome as ordered by the emperor Nero.

Our Father, God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to save sinners like me. Through faith in Jesus I receive Your patient mercy as I bow in gratitude before You. Hear my prayer today, O Lord. Amen.

To God be the Glory!

250 Years of Freedom

It all began on July 2, 1776. That is when the Lee Resolution was passed by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. The Resolution made the Thirteen Original Colonies "free and independent States," separate from the British Empire.

This led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence that was proclaimed on July 4, 1776. That is the date we celebrate the anniversary of our independence. In 1876, centennial observances were held along with a Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. In 1926, a Sesquicentennial Exposition was observed in Philadelphia, and in 1976 a nationwide bicentennial observation was celebrated.

Did you know an "America's Potluck" is planned for Sunday, July 5. It is described as "an opportunity for neighbors to join with one another to share a fun, communal meal, creating a sense of connection and belonging" among Americans. It builds on the tradition of Sunday dinners and promotes celebrating the freedoms we enjoy.

When Paul wrote to the Galatians, he stressed that our freedom is to serve others. We are not to be slaves to sin. Paul reminds us to keep the command that follows.

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. but do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14 NIV). 

Thank You, God, for the freedoms we enjoy in America. My prayer today is that our country, which was founded on faith, will return to its roots in You, God. Help us be a country that loves our neighbors, just as You command us. Help us return to the integrity of our forefathers, speaking truth in all we do. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

Every Good and Perfect Gift

Does your mailbox fill up with letters asking for donations? Mine used to, but I get fewer requests than I used to. Sometimes they entice me with free gifts: notepads, personalized return address stickers, Christmas cards, bookmarks, etc. All ask for a donation toward their cause. And nearly all are worthwhile causes that I agree with. But, I just can't give to them all. Actually I don't give to any of them and I feel guilty about it.

My parents, gone now for more than 20 years, were on nearly every mailing list imaginable. They enjoyed getting "free" stuff, but they gave monetary gifts to them in return. It seemed that the requesters must have sold mailing lists of those who sent donations, because there were more and more requests coming in every year.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change  like shifting shadows," (James 1:17 NIV).

Many of the requests for donations are from above-board, reputable organizations, with causes I would like to support. We choose to give what money we have locally, especially to our church or to those with ties to people we know. 

Lord God, thank You for the gifts You place in our possession. Help us use those gifts in ways that are pleasing to You. Give us discernment through the Holy Spirit to know what is right and true. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

To God Be the Glory!

The Rock Eternal

Every now and then I search my photos files for a particular picture that I know I took but I don't know where to find it. It is so frustrating. Today I was looking for a picture of my Mama's Rock that stands in front of my home church. It has a brass plaque that is in memory of Clara Springer and gives Mama's favorite verse from Ecclesiastes 3.

If I remember right, the very large rock came from a nearby farmer's field (also a beloved member of Bethel Grove Church and a dear friend). We had the plaque made and for some reason (because he is my dear husband) John got the job of attaching the plaque to the rock in the middle of winter. On the coldest day of winter that year! Why it couldn't wait until spring, I do not know except that my mind was grief-stricken for two years after Mama died in 1999.

The rock was so hard (and probably frozen) that John had a terrible time drilling into the rock then glueing the plaque in place. We know it held because I remember my friends planted flowers around it several years later, and perhaps every year since. 

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal," (Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV).

Even in the turmoil of broken hearts in the midst of grief, or our world today in such a confusing mess, we can find perfect peace when we trust in God. For our God is the Rock eternal!

Oh, God, thank You for being steadfast and unchanging through all eternity, we praise You for Your presence and Your enduring love. For You keep us in perfect peace when we trust in You. We pray for Your guidance when we lose our way, and for Your peace that brings us back into Your fold. We pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Summertime

"Summertime and the livin' is easy..."

Welcome summer! It is finally here! Yet, it seems like only yesterday that we were in the midst of winter, longing for the sunshine and warmth. Now, we have enjoyed a month of mild temperatures through May and early June and summer officially arrives. Please slow down!

"And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years," (Genesis 1:14 NIV).

God spoke to Noah that He would never again destroy all living things upon the earth as He did, saving only Noah and his family and two of each species on the ark.

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease," (Genesis 8:22 NIV).

So here we are in summertime in Iowa. The corn is growing tall and the flowers are in full bloom. The children are on summer break, riding bikes (and other motorized contraptions I don't know the name of), playing baseball and softball and soccer on every green field in Ankeny. Kids walk down the street with fishing poles and bait in hand, full of hope and delight. The farmer's markets draw crowds of folks anxious to be outside in the sun or even the rain. Anything in the fresh air is beloved.

Oh, God of mercy and grace: thank You for the sunshine and the warmth of summer. We who experience cold winters are overjoyed with summer's arrival. Thank You for creating this land of beauty that we enjoy. Lord, help us have awareness of the wonder of Your creation and help us protect this environment around us in every way we can. We want to do Your will and we ask for Your guidance. In the Name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

To God be the glory!