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He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters (Psalm 23:2).
Of the Word
For first-time race participants, making use of the water stations along the route can be a nerve-racking experience. Proper water station etiquette teaches the runner how to approach the water tables, what to say to volunteers, how to hold the cup so as not to spill the water while running, and how to dispose of the cup. Learning these things before a race is useful so that runners’ times aren’t compromised due to crowded water stations. Furthermore, these instructions help because people don’t normally drink water on the run.
Psalm 23 describes God, the Good Shepherd, giving His people, the sheep, what they need. He knows water is a necessity for keeping them healthy. But instead of water-on-the-go, He offers still waters, which make it easier for the sheep to drink. In the same way, God knows what we need and He knows how to provide for us.
Walking with my Lord
Heavenly Father, my Good Shepherd, thank You for providing me everything I need at the right time and in the right way. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Of the Word
The Apostle Paul reminds us to Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Christian men and women make thanksgiving to God a number one priority. We thank our Heavenly Father for all that He has done for us. We thank Him for food, clothing, shelter, family, and all that is needed to support this life here on earth. Most importantly, we thank Him for the gift of His Son Jesus who suffered, died, and rose again so that we might receive eternal life.
Children must be taught how to give thanks. They learn thanksgiving from parents who are thankful to God the Heavenly Father for all that they are and have. Thanksgiving = Thanks-living!
Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Lead a family prayer with each family member giving thanks for one spiritual blessing and one physical blessing.
Walking with my Lord
O Lord, I give thanks to You for all Your mercies. Bless me with the gift of thankful living in response to Your bountiful giving. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
And many nations shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us his ways and that we may walk in His paths” (Micah 4:2a).
Of the Word
Mount Monadnock rises 3,165 feet in southern New Hampshire. It is said that it is the second most hiked mountain in the world, second only to Mount Fuji in Japan. On a clear day, climbers can see all of the New England states from the summit. In the fall, the view is spectacular with all the reds, oranges, yellows, and greens of the tree foliage. The air is crisp and clean. When you reach the summit of the mountain, it is breathtaking!
The climb to the top is not particularly easy. Hikers need to be prepared with the right shoes and drinking water, and be physically fit to make the climb. There are several trails, and all are well marked. Some of the paths are more difficult than others, requiring more skill, but all trails require climbing over a lot of granite rocks! A lot of the fun in the journey to the top comes when hiking with a friend and passing many friendly people on the way up and down. Sometimes you may even see someone carrying a child on his shoulders.
Our lives are a big journey as we travel this earthly path to heaven. We meet many people on the trails of life. Some will help us, while we will need to help others. We will travel on some easy parts of the trail, but there will also be places we will need to climb over, or around, those large granite rocks.
We need to prepare ourselves for life’s journey by clothing ourselves in His righteousness and refreshing ourselves with the Living Water from God’s holy Word. We need to keep our spiritual selves in good shape along the trail by staying close to our guide, Jesus Christ. God marks the trail for us. We need only listen to Him and look for His guidance revealed through His Word. He also sends fellow travelers to share the road and to help show us the way.
We are reassured that God is always faithful and will lead us, walk beside us, and when necessary, carry us.
God sprinkles “mountaintop” experiences throughout our lives. With these joyful events, He provides us a foretaste of heaven, a mountaintop adventure at the end of our earthly journey.
Walking with my Lord
Lord, thank You for the path You have set for my life’s journey. I praise You that my ultimate destination and resting place will be heaven. Give me the strength I need for each day’s walk. Remind me that I only need to take this journey one day at a time. As I travel through this life, thank You for being beside me always and for leading me to the mountaintop. Amen.
In these days he [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God (Luke 6:12).
Of the Word
No matter how much you love each other and enjoy being together, there are times when you want (and need) to be apart. That doesn't only mean apart, but alone. “Alone time” gives you time to consider relationships, to pray, to consider what you value most in life. It helps you get “centered.”
For Christians, being “centered” revolves around repentance and forgiveness, understanding that Christ is our very life. Having a period of rest and solitude, in turn, will enrich time spent with your spouse. Encouraging each other to spend time alone is a gift as genuine as any you might give. Allow these special alone moments for God, through His Word, to renew, refresh, and rejuvenate each of you.
Walking with my Lord
Dear Lord of the Sabbath, You are our Sabbath rest and our hearts will not rest until they rest in You. Give us courage to be alone with You and Your Word. Refresh our hearts through repentance and forgiveness in order that we might enjoy life to the fullest. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Mark 10:21).
Of the Word
What’s on your running playlist? Chances are it’s something upbeat that gets your blood pumping and feet moving to the rhythm. Music keeps a runner occupied and interested, but it can be distracting. For this reason, the rules of many races will not let you listen to music because you may not be able to hear traffic or the instructions of race volunteers.
Many things distract believers as they run the race of faith. Money, lust, and status are just a few of the things that keep minds busy and off the race. Take, for example, the rich young man in Mark 10. This young man asked Jesus what he needed to do in order to gain eternal life. Jesus told him to sell all of his possessions and then follow Him. The man went away sad because he had great wealth.
Unfortunately, earthly possessions kept the rich young man from following Jesus. Even today, distractions can rob people of heavenly treasures. Leave your distractions behind and instead follow Jesus. He will lead you to life everlasting!
Walking with my Lord
Father, help me not be distracted by worldly things. Lead me on Your path of righteousness that I may receive eternal life through Jesus Christ, Your Son. In His name I pray. Amen.
… do not be anxious about anything … (Philippians 4:6a).
Of the Word
Worry is such an easy thing to do when it comes to family. It can swoop in from so many directions. “Am I giving the kids every advantage they’ll need to make it in life?” “Am I spending enough time with my parents, especially now that they’re getting older?” “Does the love I have for my spouse show? We seem to fight so often. Are we drifting apart?”
But worry does not solve anything. It simply directs us away from the certainty of God’s love.
With all the uncertainties that surround us, how can such a statement not to worry be real? Isn’t worry just part of family life? Paul finishes his statement to the Philippians with … but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6b).
When challenges within the family arise, God, Who has given us salvation in Christ, invites us to bring everything to Him in prayer. He offers us peace.
Walking with my Lord
Lord Jesus, what peace I have when I remember I can bring everything to You. When I am tempted to worry, remind me of Your peace. In Your name. Amen.
… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24b).
Of the Word
A century ago, families often lived within a few miles of each other. For Sunday dinners, holidays, and birthdays, and even workdays, parents and siblings were together.
Today, families may communicate by phone, email, and Skype while separated by miles or even continents. A different kind of “family,” a family of friends, may be close in heart as well as in geography.
Consider the friendship of David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1–4). When King Saul, Jonathan’s father, was determined to harm David, Jonathan defended and protected him. After Jonathan’s death, David remembered their friendship and lovingly cared for Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son (2 Samuel 9).
How is friendship demonstrated today? A cup of coffee, a ride, a note (handwritten or typed), a smile, a hug: all show the care and concern of a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
A Point to Ponder: To whom can I be a friend today?
Walking with my Lord
Loving Lord, thank You for faithful friends who have shared Your love with me. Help me to be a loving, caring friend to someone today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
