Touchscreens

We have them on our phones, in our kitchens, on our computers, and in our cars. We have become so familiar with them that we don’t know how to do things without them. Life doesn’t work that way. We have no touchscreens that will immediately react to our touch and solve our problems.

Isaiah 63:9 says, “In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.” When we face afflictions, the afflictions impact God as well. His presence will save us. When we are overwhelmed, God lifts us up and carries us through our struggles.

Memorable Words

Some people make a living by conducting seminars or giving speeches. Their words are memorable as they help people in their endeavors. I can recall a few times when someone other than my children or grandchildren was actually influenced by words that I said. Words of encouragement tend to stay with people, as do words of criticism, unfortunately. I don’t say many words but I do want my words to encourage people and offer some help.

Malachi 3:16 says, “Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed His name.” God hears when we speak words of faith and encouragement with one another. His attention is clearly drawn to us in those times. He writes down and remembers the occasions when we follow Him and bring praise to Him.

Supply Chain

For many of us, the first time that we ever thought of the supply chain occured during the peak of the pandemic. Suddenly, many of the things we used every day we not available, because the supply chain could not provide them.

Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring the tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and poor down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” All things belong to their creator, our God. He does not “need” our gifts. But when we are generous and give, God promises to open up heaven and pour down blessings upon us. We should remember that we are blessed in order that we may bless others with what we have received and thereby glorify God.

Kinsmen Redeemer

In OId Testament times, someone called a kinsmen redeemer would pay a price or ransom to buy back or free someone from a debt, bondange, or obligation, thus restoring their rights and avenging their wrongs. Jesus redeems humanity from bondage to sin through His death on the cross, paying the ultimate ransom to secure spiritual freedom and restore a right relationship with God.

Job 19:25 says, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.” As our Redeemer, Jesus secured our release from the oppression, harm, and enslavement of evil. Because He lives, our release is forever, even as Jesus rules over heaven and earth for eternity. Jesus paid for our redemption with the precious price of His blood.

Walk Upright

As I have said before, I walk a lot of nature trails. I enjoy being outdoors and seeing God’s creation. I mostly hike along well-worn paths. Occasionally, I will veer off onto a side path to see something interesting. The side path always presents some obstacles in the form of insecure footholds and bushes that can entangle. Staying on a well-worn path keeps me secure and helps me progress to my desired destination.

Hosea 14:9 says, “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.” Following the path that the Lord has set for us keeps us upright and free from stumbling. His ways are the ways of wisdom and discernment.