COFFEE ON THE DOCK

When guiding children across busy traffic we tell our children to hold our hand tightly, but we do not depend upon their grip; no, we grab them with a vice grip. It is incredibly comforting to know that I live in the firm grasp of God; His grip on me is much firmer than my grip on Him. His Word clutches the strings of my heart, His Will clings to my own, I cannot simply pull way.  At times I struggle against His embrace, only to be pulled tighter by His Holy Hand. Father, You are the “The Lord my Keeper”, thank You for Your encircling Love. Your love has no limit, Your care has no measure.

Another friend has slipped into eternity. So many times I have been at this fork in the road, but I never get used to it. One last earthly wave must do until our paths again meet on the other side. Whether delayed or swift, death is certain, however, its sting is swallowed up in victory for those assured by faith. Through the valley of shadows there is no fear, only an assurance that goodness and mercy will accompany us along the way. Father, in Your appointed moment, my soul will ascend in pure delight. Thank you for those who bravely pave the way by leaving a legacy of faithfulness. 

While missionaries in Quito, Ecuador we lived within eyesight of a world-renowned location for Hang Gliding. We watched flyers riding rising warm air as it ascended up the steep cliffs. No power is required; the thermals provide needed lift to skilled pilots. My daily walk with God is no different, the key being to trust His lifting power. Over time, skills are developed and improved to avoid dead air and steer only toward what lifts. Father, You are High and Lifted Up, transport me to the heights. Teach me to rely on Your provided power and to skillfully navigate the opportunities You bring. 

While standing in line at a checkout an elderly gentleman motioned to a sleeping infant and asked “wouldn’t you love to have a conscious that clear?” Innocence cannot be retrieved once lost. Yet for those who come to know the boundless mercy of God and the inexhaustible sufficiency of our redemption, something even more wonderful is revealed, we are granted “righteousness consciousness.” In the divine exchange our Savior took upon Himself our condemnation and bestowed upon us His right standing. Most Merciful Father, in Christ alone there is peaceful rest in Your transforming arms. 

As a twelve-year-old Boy Scout I was almost defeated by distance. Our troop was taken on a 20-mile hike in the heat of summer. We learned that we could go much farther than we believed possible. I have since learned I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. All but one thing; I cannot out distance His love. After repeatedly passing through impossible circumstances as “more than a conqueror” I am utterly overcome by His Love. Loving Father, I am not a wandering exile, You call me by name, You claim me as Your own. I am happily defeated by Your immeasurable love. 

After a lifetime of the dealings of God there still remains so much more to be transformed within me. Even when acting with best intentions an unholy mixture of selfish ambition and vain conceit continues to pop up. This is very disappointing but provides daily motivation to continue the process of full surrender. I cannot promote the best interest of others while in hot pursuit of my own. Omnipotent Lord of the Universe, You hold the worlds in Your hand, yet You bend low to bring loving care to Your creation. I know that if I am to love as You do I must do so with the humility and purity You have. 

Several significant stories in Scripture are about barren women who could not give birth to a child of their own. In each case God turned their barrenness into blessing as they bore children by the handiwork of God. The human heart is also made to birth new things. It should be a place of divine revelation and creativity, but the heart can grow dry and barren, becoming as desolate as a desert. Lord of All Creation, open the windows of heaven and make streams in the wilderness of my heart. I praise You for Your Presence that floods into my barrenness and brings forth new things.