A Companion On The Road

I love to walk through the paths of Franklin Creek and enjoy its grandeur and picturesque beauty. I'm often reminded that these treks are symbolic of our spiritual journey, for the Christian life is simply walking- with Jesus alongside as our companion and guide. He walked through the land of Israel from one end to the other, gathering disciples, saying to them, "Follow Me".
The journey is not always easy. Sometimes giving up seems easier than going on, but when things get difficult, we can rest a while and renew our strength. In Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan describes the arbor on Hill Difficulty where Christian caught his breath before continuing the climb. His scroll provided comfort, reminding him of the Lord's continual presence and sustaining power. He got a second wind so he could walk a few more miles.
Only God knows where the path will take us, but we have our Lord's assurance, "I am with you always". This is not a metaphor or other figure of speech. He is real company.   There is not on hour without His presence, not one mile without His companionship. Knowing He's with us makes the journey lighter.
When life becomes a heavy load, an upward climb, a winding road, in daily tasks, Lord, let me see that with me You will always be.

Matthew 4:18-22

When God Cleans House

We have been having a lot of wind! Sometimes the winds make the trees tremble and shake loose their dead branches. When it is finished we have messes to clean up.
In our own lives, God sometimes works in a similar way. He will send or allow stormy circumstances that shake loose the "lifeless branches" we've been refusing to release. Sometimes it's something that once was good, like an area of ministry, but is n longer bearing fruit. More often it's something that's not good, like a bad habit I've slid into or a stubborn attitude that prevents new growth.
The Old Testament prophet Jonah discovered what an happen when one refuses to get rid of a stubborn attitude. His hatred for the Ninevites was stronger than his love for God, so God sent a great storm that landed Jonah in a giant fish. God preserved the reluctant prophet in that unlikely place and gave him a second chance to obey.
The lifeless limbs in our yards cause us to think of attitudes that God expects us to dispose of. Paul's letter to the Ephesians lists some of them: bitterness, anger, and evil speech. When God shakes things up, we need to get rid of what He shakes loose.
Lord, give me a listening heart and help me to cooperate with You when You point out changes that need to be made in my life. I want to honor You and please You. Amen
Read: Jonah 1

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. Ephesians 4:31

Care Of The Heart

I came across this in my spring cleaning. It is by David McCasland. Thought that it was perfect for this time of year and gardening.

The reading is Proverbs 24:30-34

Care of The Heart

My father-in-law took a rocky, barren hilltop in Texas and transformed it into a beautiful homesite with a shaded green lawn. After removing thousands of rocks, he added topsoil, planted trees and grass, and kept it watered. Since his death, it has lacked his consistent care. Today when I visit and work around that house, battling the invading thistles, thorns, and weeds, I ponder the state of my own heart.

Am I like that neglected yard, or perhaps the field and vineyard with thorns, covered with nettles, its stone wall broken down? (v.31)The owner is lazy and lacks understanding (v.30). perhaps putting off today's tasks for a more convenient time.

Along with the practical instruction about diligence in work, I find an application for the care of my soul. The thistles of self-interest grow naturally within me, while the fruit that pleases God requires constant wedding and watering trough prayer, confession, and obedience to the Lord. Without these, the soil of my heart will become choked with the thorns of trivial pursuits and greed.

"Keep your heart with all diligence," solomon wrote, "for out of it spring the issues of life" (Prov. 4:23). That requires constant care.

One little sin, what harm can it do?

give it free reign and soon there are two.

Then sinful deeds and habits ensue

Guard well your thoughts, lest they control you.

The garden of our heart needs constant weeding and care.

The Prayer (with interruptions)

Lord, my ministry, what is it going to be? I know you have a plan. ("Mama, Mama! Watch me! Watch me turn a somersault! Can I have a snack? I'm hungry. Look at me, Mama!")

Father, when will you reveal it to me? Is it something exciting that you are calling me to do for you? Will I be serving you in some foreign land maybe? (Mama, Mama! Im bored! There is nothing fun to do! Can I help? Let me try, can I lick the spoon? Do you love me, Mama? Will you read me a book now? But I'm not tired yet. When can we go to Grandma's house?)

Oh, Lord, I'm ready! I'm listening. Please just tell me what you have in mind. There is certain to be some wonderful important mission for me. (Mama, Mama! Can I have a drink? See me ride my bike? Will you push me on my swing? What's for supper, Mama?)

Father, I am longing to serve you! If only I knew what it was you wanted me to do, Id plunge in with all my heart! I'm wanting to serve you in some eternal way, to be your hand, Lord, to a needy world, (Mama, come see what I made! When is the library open? Will you have time to show me how to do this project? I need help! I can't find my shoe. Please, Mama? I'm tired. I'm hungry. Will you hold me now?)

Father, I am wanting a ministry so badly. I am wanting to serve you now, in this day and hour, in the real world. Maybe you'll ask me to sing or teach or to soothe hurting hearts. Maybe I could train young people to go out into the mission fields. Show me, Lord, show me! Call to me! Give me a word of direction. (Mama! Mama! Listen to me! Will you read to me? Mama, I don't feel good. I don't know what to do. I'm scared. Talk to me. Help me, Mama. I can't reach it. I'm lonely. Do you want to go for a walk with me? Will you help me now? I picked you this flower, Mama. Do you love me, Mama? Are you still praying, Mama? Are you still too busy, Mama?..... Mama?..... Mama?...... Are you listening?)

by Elece Hollis