Road Trip

We are familiar with the roads we have taken to get where we are. The smooth roads, the bumpy roads, the dangerous roads, the U turns, the side trips, and the hard roads are well known by us. Now we face the roads ahead. We may come to forks in the road and not know which way to go, just like we have faced many times before. We can’t reliably see the road ahead, but still need to move forward. How can be make the right choices in life?

Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” When we need to know which way to go, God promises to teach us. When we need wise counsel, God has kept His eye on each of us and gives us the perfect advice. He knows the roads we have traveled with its difficulties, struggles, and highlights. And He knows the roads ahead. Because He loves us, He will give us good advice and even help us navigate the roads ahead.

Knowing Where To Go

Years ago, when we first moved to Nepal, we initially had a hard time finding the right store to purchase what we needed. Stationery stores, grocery stores, furniture stores, and hardware stores each carried items that were not available in the same type of store in America. By trial and error, we eventually figured out the correct stores to purchase necessary items.

John 6:66-68 says, “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.'” Faith is the vehicle that God uses to draw us near to Him. Growing in the knowledge of Jesus gives us the strength to continue in faith and follow Him. Let’s go to Jesus and follow Him, because He alone has the words of eternal life.

Erosion

It seems that the things that we create erode over time. You can visit the great buildings of ages past, but you will see damage caused by man and nature. You can visit history museums and find artifacts of great civilization, but you will also observe the damage of time and enviornment have inflicted on these artifacts. We are creative beings, but our creations were never perfect and have limited lifespans.

I Peter 1:3-4 says, “According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” Those who are born again through God’s merciful salvation also receive an inheritance that remains ours forever. This inheritance is eternal life that never ends, is free from the pollution of evil, and will never fade from its original glory.

Sticking To Us

Some things are inherently sticky. Glue is made to stick things together, although it seems for me that it always sticks the wrong things together. Our reputations seem to follow us wherever we go. Our values and beliefs also stick with us and are reflected in our actions.

Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” God’s goodness is more than the moral quality of righteousness, it includes His generosity, kindness, and desire to benefit His children. His goodness is always with us and active upon our lives. Today, trust in our good God and look for His goodness upon your life.

Waters Move

One of my favorite things that I love about hiking in nature, is the variety and beauty of bodies of water. Rivers flow and waves visit the shores of lakes and seas. Yet, the waters still take me to a place of peace. Rarely, are the waters perfectly still, but the sounds and sights calm my soul in the midst of my troubles.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Our minds and hearts will not be at peace when our mind is struggling with the problems and struggles of this world. But when we remember our always faithful and Almighty God, then peace floods our soul. Let’s put our troubles in the hands of God and trust that He loves us enough to work all things together for good.

Adoption Into God’s Family

We have one grandson who was adopted into our family when he was a baby. I can’t imagine what life would be without this grandson. He has provided hours of entertainment, loads of fun, tons of love, and barrels of proud moments. We are so grateful for the honor of being his grandparents.

Ephesians 1:4-5 says, “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” It is an amazing thought that God loved us and adopted us into His family even before the foundation of the world. By the sacrifice of His Son for our sins, we are made holy and blameless before Him. Now we should walk in holiness by His power and through our love for Him.