As a financial planner, I encountered only a few people who were seriously in debt. When I say serious, I mean it. One, in particular, had a six-figure credit card balance. As in owing over 100 grand on multiple cards, all at 22+ percent interest. Makes me fidgety just mentioning it. That would have kept me up all night, every night, worrying about all that was hanging over my head. But not that bloke. Not a care in the world, as far as I could tell.

It always amused me when he spoke about some recent extravagant purchase way beyond his means, how he’d relish answering my question about paying for this unnecessary item. He’d say, ‘Put it on the credit card!’ And he did. Over and over again. And then, even more for good measure, with debt oozing out of every pore of his net worth. No good measure there. I’d just shake my head, leaving in amazement at the gall of modern folk.

But honestly, we’re all debtors. Sin makes us such. We pray about it in the Lord’s Prayer, where God the Father forgives our debts in the same way as we forgive others (always makes me cringe with that thought). Every time I snub my nose at God and His ways, I’m adding to my debt balance. Does that weigh heavily on my mind? Or am I more like that unreformed credit card addict?

You know, don’t you, that Jesus paid the balance due on our tab. In full. Zeros out our liabilities. That’s the cross and His death as God’s plan of forgiveness for those who bow down to Him and ask His help. Wouldn’t be my plan. I’d wait for every last dime to be repaid. But I’m not God. His way is much better. Costs more,as in the death of His onlySon, but the end result, salvation, is beyond wonderful!

As I seek insight from the Psalms, I come across a verse in Psalm 22 that resonates deeply. The words, though spoken in derision, say, “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” (v. 8). Because I enjoy exploring the Old Testament’s Hebrew language, I’m particularly interested in the word “trust.” At its root, it signifies the act of rolling something off onto something else—essentially, to rescue or to free oneself from troubles. That the stronger will help the weaker when called upon for support.

The challenge for you and me is to roll our fears and doubts squarely off our shoulders onto Jesus’ strapping and sturdy ones. For ‘I am weak, but He is strong’ says the old hymn. To slip off of your shoulders onto His presumes having a relationship with the Lord. That you’ve asked Jesus into your life as Lord and Savior. That you believe that He can do for you what no one else can or will. That you’re His, knowing that He’ll stand by you through thick and thin.

He wants it all on His shoulders for He deserves all the credit.

For life and love freely given, we thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

You knew that I was going to write ‘feed your face’, didn’t you? Fooled you! But, to be honest, I’d been doing too much face-feeding. This became crystal clear when the nurse in my doctor’s office blurted out my digital number. Had I won? Only if I were bowling! Otherwise, not the best reading I’ve ever had. In between office visits, I cut out snacks at night. Most, at least. Consistently. Eat better and eat less. Forget the pretzels and ice cream. Again, mostly. Mainly. While you’re at it, forget all the fun in life!

The result? Yes, a better reading on that cattle scale! The nurse made no comment, but I drew her attention to my feat with fewer pounds on my feet! She made nary a comment, this sober-looking Nurse Party-Pooper. However, she may have known what was coming. As in the holidays, which would be right around the corner. My know-it-all nurse knew it all, after all! Pounds back and a few extra for good measure. Maybe not so good? Diet time arrives again? Maybe. Maybe not.

Let me recommend that you not go on a low-calorie diet when it comes to your Bible. As in slimming down, reading a measly couple of verses or two daily, weekly, weather-permitting, with nothing better to do. Even worse, none at all.

Dig in. Fatten up on God’s Word. Eat away like there’s no tomorrow. Pig out, so to speak. No restrictions. Oh, maybe not becoming obsessive, as in reading all the time. Night and day. Without stop. That’s not what I mean. You know that.

In Luke 8, Jesus tells about how a tiny lamp on a table illuminates a small Israeli home. I own one of those itsy-bitsy lamps, which was gifted to me by a dear friend who participated in an archaeological dig in Israel. This lamp holds only a minimal amount of oil along with a short wick, providing light for a few hours at night. However, it was sufficient for the average household.

Jesus says that His followers are to be like that lamp. Don’t have to be big shots. Fame is not required. Just who you are–‘this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine!’. Burning bright for Jesus with a passion to live for God, while helping others, especially to see and know our Lord.

Here’s more good advice about a diet full of God’s Word–‘Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away’ (Luke 8:18). Sobering words about being careful with what we listen to, what fills our minds. Are we focusing on godly things? Spending time hearing God’s wisdom, you-know-where? Jesus says we’re to ‘take care’… ‘to hear’…’ to take away’ (use it or lose it). Our Lord pulls no punches.

For it takes commitment to study your Bible, being systematic and organized. A holy habit. Feed on it as if you’re starving for spiritual nourishment. Quickly, you’ll notice that the more you absorb God’s Word, that you’ll crave to learn even more—to know Him and to follow Him. A never-ending hunger in this life. To sit at His table every day. And to feast away!

Well, it’s time to let our light shine. But only if we have oil in our lamps with a wick to light. Only if we have something to share. Only if we’re serious about feeding on our Bibles. Only then. Up for it? Worth giving it a try? Let’s see what happens!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for feeding me so generously from your Word, the Bible. Amen.

It’s been many years now that I’ve prayed for specific people and certain situations. For the most part, I hang in there, keeping at it. I don’t like giving up. Walking away when I could still make a difference. And prayer does just that. Speaking with Jesus, coupled with faith, even an itsy-bitsy amount, can move mountains, as our Lord says (Matthew 17: 20).

There’s something about giving in that rubs me the wrong way. I think this stems from my mother, who was determined and relentless in her efforts to help me walk again after polio made it a significant challenge. For five years, she provided me with physical therapy in the small bathroom of our home. She never gave up, and as a result, most people were unaware that I had suffered from crippling polio. Eventually, I learned to walk perfectly well, and I still do, although one leg is noticeably thinner than the other due to atrophy over the years.

Her determination to see her two-year-old baby boy restored may be in my DNA, as we say today. Whatever, I hate giving up or giving in. But often I wonder if I’m boring the Lord with the same old, same old prayers day after day, night after night, to the point of His distraction. I don’t think I’m trying to wear Him down. Or put His back up against the wall, telling Him I’ll not let go, not stop bending His ear, until He cries ‘uncle’ and answers my prayers with a resounding ‘YES’! Cave in or else? Hardly.

But how do I know that the Lord doesn’t feel that way? Crack open your Bible to Isaiah 62, which speaks of Jerusalem and its watchmen, who are in place, on high alert, in this ancient, always troubled city. Here are the verses I’m looking at–‘On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth’ (Isaiah 62: 6-7).

I admit that my prayers are not primarily about Jerusalem, but the emphasis in these verses is on persistence. About coming to the Lord with whatever is on your mind and heart. And keep at it. At Him. Don’t let up. After all, Jesus told a similar story in Luke 18 about a wronged widow who wears down a reluctant judge until he gives in and helps her. Jesus says that’s how we’re to pray. Constant. Unflappable. Immovable.

In other words, don’t let up. Keep praying. But remember who you’re talking with. On the other line, it’s God. The Lord Almighty. Not a wicked, nasty, godless, careless judge but your good God, our loving Lord. We have His ear. And heart.

I want to clarify that it’s not the act of prayer itself that I believe in, but rather in God, who has the power and the will to hear and answer my prayers. He is the one who truly matters—the one I believe in and trust. It’s not about uttering magical phrases, performing incantations to unknown deities, or relying on luck. My faith is in the God of the Bible: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is the Lord of All.

Encouraged by God’s Word, we should “…give Him no rest…” Is that good enough for you? Time to pray? Don’t let up. Ever.

Lord, thank you for always being there for me. In Jesus’ name and for His sake. Amen.

Normally, I’m not confused by what I read in my Bible. Once in a while, something puzzles me, turning me to my biblical commentaries, which produce one of three results–clarity, conviction, or further confusion! I’m tenacious enough to want to find satisfying answers to what bugs me. Sometimes I walk away, think about something else, returning later to the conundrum. Maybe what’s blocking my mind will move aside, letting in some daylight. Maybe.

It’s here in James 4 that the cloud stubbornly hangs around. Mishmosh reigns in my mind. What am I referring to? You can find it in James 4: 7–‘Submit yourselves therefore to God.’ I get what James says. No problem there. It’s the application that snags me. Not about bowing my knee to God. Or that He’s Lord and I’m not. And that I should obey Him. Follow the Leader.

So what’s rubbing me the wrong way? Buffaloed? Stuck in my craw? It’s this–what does submitting to God look like? Images from years ago flash through my pea brain. Those times when Christians had to dress alike, as if 3-D printed. I could spot some from a certain group a mile away. They stuck out like a sore thumb. Is that what submitting means? The only sartorial advice the Bible gives has nothing to do with Gucci, Pucci, or even country chic, whatever that is. Rather, we’re to put on Christ. Look more like Him. His character becomes our role model. Much more about what’s inside than what’s outside.

Also, submitting to God is not being lockstepped into some rigid formula for spirituality. Others’ ideas are fine, but beware of the overconfident religious bullies, who know exactly what brings you closer to God, especially at a price, with money sent their way. I remember a few years back (!!), while in Bible college, that a well-known guest speaker rattled off exactly how to deal with youth conflicts. He was Mr. High and Mighty. Never got off his high horse. Oozed arrogance. Had all the answers. He’d left any scent of humility at his home airport. I was not impressed and never forgot.

But, rather than avoiding the issue, what does it mean to submit to the Lord? We’re told to, so we’d better pay attention. Here are my thoughts. Take them for what they’re worth. Not much, right? Thanks! Here goes, anyway. Read James chapter 4. None of it is hard to fathom. It talks about resisting Satan and sin. That’s tough all in itself. So, don’t toy with what we know is wrong. Or play footsie with tantalizing misdeeds. Get the rot out of our hearts. It’s vital to confess our sins and ask for God’s help. Shun devilish temptations and ungodly habits. I know, it’s easier said than done. But resist already.

Get tough with yourself. And mean it, asking for God’s help and forgiveness. When we fall by the wayside, look to Jesus, whose hands are there to help us get right back up. Stop languishing in some sin’s muck and mire. God has much better for us.

I love the promise found in James 4: 8–‘Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.’ See what I mean about Jesus standing with us? To help? Never to toss salt onto our self-inflicted wounds. God invites us to get close to Him, talking with Jesus about all that’s on our hearts and minds. Ask Him what He thinks, while we take permanent residence in the neighborhood of God’s Word, your Bible. Lots of good clues will come your way on how to submit to your Lord. Check it out.

I don’t have a formula, but I do know that the Lord loves it when our hearts cry out to Him in search of intimacy–wanting us to be clean as a whistle and close-knit with Jesus. Who would ever want to turn their back on Him who cherishes us so very much? Who would?

Lord Jesus, thank you for making a place in your heart and life for me. Amen.

I was born and raised in the shadows of New York City, whose mayors were often in the local news. After all, running the largest and most influential city in the United States requires exceptional leadership. Some were amazing, others not quite so. The one who sticks out in my mind was a brash and extroverted mayor, Ed Koch. Often, he walked the neighborhoods of the City asking his constituents this loaded question–‘How’m I doin’?’ And he got all kinds of responses. Some good, some typically New York snarky. But he asked. And he was told. In the Big Apple way!

In Colossians 3, St. Paul paints a word picture of what new life in Jesus looks like. If we say we’re Christians, then how are we to live? How should I look? Of course, like Jesus. But in what ways? And, with Mayor Koch, I ask myself that question–‘How’m I doin’?’ Honestly, hopefully, I’m not receiving a failing grade from my Lord. But maybe a high D minus. Most likely, by the skin of my teeth.

It’s in Colossians 3: 12-17 that the look of the Christian is laid out for us. Spend time there this week. Let me warn you that it’s rough sledding if you think you’re just hunky-dory in your walk with Jesus. You may be. I hope so. But maybe you should ask yourself: ‘How’m I doin’?’ Better yet, ask the Lord that same question. Dare we?

As I look over that list of Christian character traits, I wonder why God puts up with me. That business of kindness and compassionate hearts. Patience with others. Forgiving as the Lord has forgiven me. Showing love and meaning it from the bottom of my heart. I’m looking in the mirror, so to speak, asking myself–‘How’m I doin’?’

Oy Vey. Not so great. I’ve a long way to go. Like I’m still in Discipleship 101, standing immovable at the starting gate long after the starter gun has gone off, and even stuck in Spiritual Kindergarten when I should be teaching post-doctoral seminary students. Just me? Honestly now. Really?

How about getting serious about life in Jesus? To be His child. Resembling Jesus’ family more than you-know-whos. So, let’s get off the dime and get going. He’ll help us. I know He will. Ready? Or not?

Lord Jesus, help me to grow more like you day by day. All for your sake. Amen.

Want to avoid seeing a counselor? You’d like to be happy and well-adjusted? Not pay through the nose for forty minutes of listening and teensy-weensy nuggets of advice? Then why not read Philippians 4: 4-7 for help from on high? It’s not what I say, but what God says.

Such a huge request on my part, huh? To read four verses? Actually, it’s not only my idea. A Christian counselor friend told me that if anyone who trusts in Jesus would practice what’s in these four verses, he’d have to post a ‘Closed. Out of Business’ sign. He knew, however, that he had job security as almost no one applies these words of St. Paul. Do you? Don’t bother asking me. I’ll be the first to own up to the fact that I need to do what these verses tell me to do almost more than anyone else.

Have you read them yet? If not, do so now. My, I’m getting bossy in my old age. But do it anyway! See what I mean? About being happy if we follow God’s advice? Of course, you do. It’s that business about rejoicing, being reasonable with others, cutting out anxieties, adding in prayer and thankfulness, trusting God, and what He promises. That’s great medicine for what ails us.

But why is that such an uphill battle? For me. And you? After all, doing the above– ‘…will guard your hearts and your minds…’ (Phil. 4:7). But there’s the rub–doing what I know to do, exercising follow-through.

But wait a cotton-pickin’ minute! I’ve left out something. It’s the critical element that makes the Bible’s good advice work. Verse one says this–‘Rejoice in the Lord always…’ And at the end of verse seven–‘..will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.’ So, basically, all this self-help goodness is like much hot air without putting it together with our Lord Jesus Christ. He’s the glue that cements it in place.

Being in Jesus puts the icing on the cake. Tops off everything. Life moves, though in jagged fashion, from good to better, and then eventually to the best of all. That’s not pie-in-the-sky, though, in a way, it is. It will be heavenly when the Lord passes the pie at His great banquet in the sweet by and by. It all comes together there and then.

Then, why so happy? Simply put, it’s because we know the Lord Jesus. That He’s in our lives and we’re His. Period. Kaput. Over and never out. Our Lord will not leave us. At no time will we lose His love. The worst day you’ll ever have in this life is the worst day you’ll ever have. Now that should put a smile on your face. Which is exactly why we’re so happy!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving us the best life ever. Amen.

It’s too easy for me to beat myself over the head thinking about all the things I’ve said and done, which, collectively, haven’t received God’s Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for spiritual excellence. Not by a long stretch. Hard to remember why I went downstairs to get something just now, yet I can instantly recollect some nasty kid’s prank I participated in multiple decades ago as if it were earlier today. Such a smarty-pants!

Sadly, I’m not alone, for many are just as sensitive about their foibles as I am. Others couldn’t care less how God views their actions and motives. But I do. And that’s not a bad trait. It forces me to inch closer to God for His help and understanding, never letting me wander too far from Jesus.

So, how should we deal with our moral and spiritual failures? Therapy sessions? Group confessionals? Write them on a piece of paper and toss them in the fire? There’s some help there. But listen to what St. Paul writes in Colossians 2–‘And you, who were dead in your trespasses…God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing them to the cross’ (vs. 13-14).

Do you hear what St. Paul says? Sin deadens us. Kills us. ‘Dead in your trespasses.’ But there’s hope. Where? In the cross of Jesus Christ, God brings us new life by trusting in the crucified Christ. Jesus gave Himself for us. His death cancels our own. Any records of what we owed were erased, paid in full, with all negative balances wiped clean. Gone and forgotten. The Lord forgives all our sins.

Did you speed-read a very important word in that last sentence? If so, read it again. ‘All’. All our sins forgiven. Now that’s no excuse to get wild, having no regard for our actions or words. To let them rip with abandon, caring not if we trample all over God’s best for us. Giving the heave-ho to the Bible, while wallowing in the muck and mire of sin. No. If you’re really a child of God, a godly life is what you most want. So, be careful, vigilant, and on your guard to follow the Lord’s ways and what He says. But when we stray, as we all will, then know who to come to to make things right again.

But what about some really shameful things from my past? What about them? Don’t you wonder about your own? That’s when we need to reread those verses from Colossians 2. Those words about ‘all our trespasses’. ‘All’ our sin, ‘all’ our selfishness, ‘all’ our self-centeredness and greed. Forgiven and forgotten…by God. ‘All’ still means ‘all’.

Does God mean it? What do you think? Chew on that this week. I will.

Lord Jesus, thank you for dealing with all of my sins on the cross, once for all. And all for your sake, always. Amen.

I don’t like to quote other writers in my devotionals. I prefer to produce my own work. Not piggybacking on someone else’s insights or ideas. Except for today. And apart from God’s Word.

I’m still captivated by what God says in Isaiah 43: 4–‘Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you…’ Reminding myself of what God says helps when I’m feeling, rightfully or wrongfully, somewhat down in the dumps.

If I look back too long at how miserable I’ve been, at the sins that have easily rolled off my back, aimed directly at others, plus how unworthy I am of God’s sentiments in Isaiah 43, it can bring on the blues. And gets worse, not hanging on to what God promised– His love and forgiveness. Either He means it, or He doesn’t.

For it’s a matter of the will to believe in God and His promises. Don’t rely on your feelings. They roam all over the place. At least mine do. Believing is saying ‘yes’ to Jesus. I believe Him. And trust Him. In God we trust.

Especially when you don’t feel like it. Not to worry. Your feelings will catch up with your beliefs. Won’t always stay so conflicted. The fog will lift, the air will clear, and you’ll see who holds your hand. Never to let go. Right? It’s Jesus who’s been there all along. Feel it or not. There He is.

Now I want to go beyond how wonderful God feels about His own, as in you and me. To stop focusing on me, I, and myself. Just for a moment. Okay? Are you with me? Then keep reading.

I’d like to turn the tables a bit, do what doesn’t come naturally, and try to please God for a change. Instead of always soaking in His love and counting all those blessings He gives, what about what makes His day? How can I put a smile on His face? That’s where that outside quote comes in. It’s from a sermon entitled ‘The Weight of Glory’ given by the English scholar and author C. S. Lewis. It was during World War II that he addressed the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Oxford, England. It’s a masterful message during difficult times.

Lewis writes this–‘I read in a periodical the other day that the fundamental thing is how we think of God. By God Himself, it is not! How God thinks of us is not only more important, but infinitely more important. Indeed, how we think of Him is of no importance except insofar as it is related to how He thinks about us…To please God…to be a real ingredient in the divine happiness…to be loved by God, not merely pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son…’ Might want to read that again. Here’s the phrase that grabs my attention–‘To please God…the divine happiness…’

God’s delight. His pleasure. Doing for Him. At His beck and call. For His sake. Knowing how the Lord feels about His own children, how can we not do for Him all that He wants of us? That’s not asking too much, is it? Especially when we know how precious and honored and loved we truly are by God Almighty.

Let my life be more for Jesus. I’ll let Him know how much I love Him. That I’m eager to be His follower, though full of imperfections. Isn’t it time to think less about me and more about Him? Especially with the events of this holy week and the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection tomorrow? Let’s be…for Him!

Lord Jesus, may my life radiate love for you. Amen.

If I had a dime for every time someone says that the God of the Old Testament is a big old meanie while Jesus in the New Testament is totally different, I’d be rolling in the dough. Possibly you’ve heard such claims, too? Or did you say it yourself? If so, it’s not true. Not at all. No if’s, ands, or but’s about it.

Yes, the Lord Almighty is deeply hurt when His created beings, made in His image, reject Him. Refuse His love and care. Snub their noses His way. Want nothing more to do with Him. Curse His name like it’s no big deal, coupled with belittling what He wants us to know, in the Bible, as prejudiced and unsafe old wives’ tales and myths. And He’s just supposed to sit there in heaven and take it all? Would you? Not me. The whole shootin’ shebang would have been wiped off the face of the earth a long time ago if it were up to me.

He has every right to be upset. And if someone, and there are way too many, wants nothing to do with the Lord for all eternity, then He’ll honor their request, much to their regret.

But even still, His love shines brighter and brighter. And I’m looking in the heart of the Old Testament. In the book of Isaiah. Shouldn’t I be mired there in God’s judgment? Where He gets up on the wrong side of the bed? Grouchy and touchy? That’s the Old Testament deity? I’ve actually read God’s first testament. The Old one, that is. And many times. As in every year. Which is why I get my dander up at those who have no idea what they’re talking about, that God is a colossal meanie all the way from Genesis to Malachi.

Take a good, substantial look at Isaiah 43: 4. Memorize it. Count on it. Hold it front and center in your heart and mind. Here it is–‘Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you…’ (Is. 43:4). Mull over those thoughts for a while. Good medicine for the soul, don’t you think? Spiritual antibiotics that quash the infectious wrong views some hold of our Lord in the Old Testament.

For I need those ‘and’/’and’ promises–of being precious, ‘and’ respected, ‘and’ loved. All by God! The Lord’s affection toward us keeps building. A crescendo of tenderness, warmth, and intimacy. When you imagine that God is out to get you, that He really doesn’t like you very much, then repeat those ‘and’/’and’ promises spoken in Isaiah 43. From the Old Testament, dare I say?

We’re precious to God. Worth a king’s ransom. He’d give His eyeteeth for us. How? That’s all about His Son Jesus and His dying on the cross. His life for ours. Once for all. For all who believe. For those who make a commitment to be His own, even as fallible as we are. All of this is God’s gift to you and me. Forget about earning any of it. Like we could? No way. It’s His gift.

And He respects us. Can you imagine? Makes me blush when I think of how undeserving I am. No doubt about it–I’m not worth God’s respect. But He gives it anyway. Why? What does He want in return? Nothing. Okay, maybe some thanks. Some praise and appreciation. To be His. And mean it. His respect is another gift. Such a meanie God! You think?

And now for the icing on the cake–God loves you and me. He’s crazy about us. His own children. Are you as uncomfortable with His loving you as I am about His loving me? I know myself. I’ve hurt others while being hurt as well. Sometimes I’ve turned my back on my Lord without hesitation. My love for God can do a nasty disappearing act, quicker than Houdini in his prime, and without much thought on my part. Will God’s love dematerialize and do a vanishing act?

You know. That’s why He makes these big ‘and’/’and’ promises, so you can trust what God says. Roll them around in your mind this week. When Satan challenges you, casting your sin smack dab in your face, then throw these ‘and’/’and’ promises right back at him and see him slink away.

I’m precious. And respected. And loved by God Almighty. And all this is front and center in God’s Word. Found where? Right again. In the Old Testament!

Thank you, Father, for all your promises to me. In Jesus’ name. And for His sake. Amen.

We were absolutely over-the-top excited about our visit to the ancient city of Petra in modern-day Jordan. A dream come true! We’d seen pictures of the entrance to this long-abandoned city, what’s called the Treasury building, but we couldn’t believe our eyes at how huge the rest of the metropolis truly was.

We’d been told to pack lots of water. And we did. But we soon discovered that our supply was woefully inadequate. Near the end of our tour, we were parched dry like cardboard. Uncomfortable and grumpy. Isaiah 41:17 resonates–‘When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.’

What saved us that day in Petra? Certainly, it was our Lord, through a German restaurant nestled on the outskirts of Petra, that served us a lovely lunch, along with what seemed like gallons of ice-cold bottled water at each table. Needed every drop. We drank and drank, trying to slake the thirst that grabbed our throats. And eventually it did, thank the Lord, and once again, our German restaurant hosts! Danke!

We may have been Petra-fried that day, but the Lord promises that when we’re poor and needy, when we’ve run out of steam, feel weak and desperate, He has refreshment for us. Hear what’s next in Isaiah 41–‘I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry lands springs of water’ (vs. 18).

God promises–‘I will…I will…’ Is He able to fulfill them? To our specifications? Yes and no. Try not to get ahead of God. His outcomes may not be exactly what we expect. They may seem quite the opposite of all we need and prayed for. But all things being equal, which often they’re not, keep looking up to your Lord. Pour out your heart to Him. No matter what, trust Jesus. Refuse to be knocked off His track. Eyes riveted on your Lord, staying close by Him with all your questions and doubts. Never let go of His hand.

You know that God is more than able. So get behind Him. Be a follower. Let Him lead. As we pray in the Lord’s Prayer–‘…thy will be done.’ You may not need physical water or food at this moment. But spiritual nourishment? We’re all in need of that. Me big time!

A high Bible diet is prescribed by Dr. Jesus. The fiber of faith from His Word. Extra proteins from His promises. Ready to feast? To quench your thirst and hunger for God? Dive in. Eat up. Gulp down deeply. No limits or fattening calories to worry about. Not with the Bible, God’s sustaining Word!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for fulfilling all your promises, in your time and in your way. Also, for your sake. Amen.