Footprints in the Sand

We walk along the water’s edge, watching the foam from the waves rush up, attempting to capture the sand, then fall back to join the blue ocean water. Our heads down, we look in the sand for shells or coral unbroken by the battering waves. I stoop to examine a piece of elkhorn coral broken from the reef 200 yards offshore.

Scott has continued walking and I observe his footprints. Here at the water’s edge his foot sinks several inches into the soft, wet sand, leaving a deep impression. But only for a moment. Then the hungry waves rush onto the beach, carrying sand back with it into the waves. The deep imprints of his footprints instantly fade to a small indentation in the beach. Another wave sweeps ashore, totally obliterating his footprints. It’s as if he had never walked along this beach. Here for only a moment, his footprints are totally erased from the sandy beach.

The Bible reminds us that we are on this earth for but a moment, like flowers that wither and grass that fades away. I Peter 1:24 and 25 come to mind as I watch the waves erase his footprints in the sand. Once we’ve gone from this earth our memories last for a time, but then are slowly washed away until new generations walk the sands of life, leaving their own brief footprints. I think about how I’ve spent my short time on this earth. Have I done anything of lasting significance? Have I lived my life so that it affects someone else for eternity? My time is fleeting. I must keep my eyes on the eternal, for the footprints quickly wash away.

I Peter 1:24, 25 “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field, the grass withers an the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

Oh God, keep my eyes on the spiritual, eternal things of life. May the path I walk leave footprints to help others to know your eternal power, loving-kindness, and saving grace.

God of the Empty Spaces

“We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God. He is nearer than our own soul, closer than our most secret thoughts”― A.W. Tozer

Lord of the empty spaces, keep my mind aware of your presence, even when I feel alone, even when I do not sense your presence. Thank you for always being with me, even when I am unaware.

Taste and See

For some reason, this verse makes me think of the book, Green Eggs and Ham. You know, the character won’t taste the green eggs and ham anywhere under any circumstances. But when he finally relents and tries the food, he is amazed at how good it tastes. Isn’t that the way it is with listening for God’s will and being willing to follow it? “Oh, no, God,” we think, “you surely don’t want me to do or say that.” We think we know more than God. When we finally give in and taste what the Lord has to offer, we are amazed at his goodness.

Lord, keep my heart and mind willing to listen and to follow your will for me. You are so good. Thank you for loving and saving me.

Friday Prayer Challenge

Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

May you allow Christ’s peace to dwell in your heart, especially when you are around those who irritate you or make you angry. May you feel grateful to God in every circumstance, especially those that are difficult or unpleasant. May His peace indeed rule in your heart.

Please pray this scripture for others this week.

Wordless Love

I don’t remember hearing my parents telling me, “I love you,” but I know they do.  They have shown their love in countless ways.  When I was growing up they worked hard to provide a comfortable home, food, and clothing.  They made sure my brothers didn’t pick on me, at least not too much.  Even today, they listen when I have something important to say.  They encourage me when I’m discouraged or when I start a new venture.  Their eyes shine with pride at my smallest accomplishments. Their actions have always left me feeling secure and loved.

I have never heard Jesus say to me, “I love you,” but I know he does.  He provides my every need.  He sometimes allows difficulties in my life, but never more than I can bear.  He listens to me and knows my heart, even when I seldom speak to Him.  He is the source of my abilities and is pleased when I work to develop them.  When I’m discouraged, he wraps loving arms around me, encouraging me with the same arms that stretched wide open on the cross. Because He became sin, I am adopted into his family and will live forever with him in heaven.  His actions leave me feeling secure and loved.

Through our own wordless love, others glimpse our loving savior.  When we understand another’s feelings, or listen to other’s problems, we show God’s love.  When we assist an elderly neighbor or babysit for a friend, we demonstrate his love.  When we accept others without judgment, they see God’s love.

God, your actions demonstrate how much you love us.  Humble us and show us how to also act in loving ways.

Worship in All Situations

“Can you worship a God who isn’t obligated to explain His actions to you? Could it be your arrogance that makes you think God owes you an explanation?”– Francis Chan

Now this quote really makes me think. What do you think about it?

Father, teach me humility. Teach me to obey and not “require” an explanation from you. For you are all-knowing. Teach me to trust you in all situations.

Lift Up Others

Lord, sometimes I take for granted all the hard work of others, especially those who affect me spiritually and show me how to grow. Please help me to acknowledge their hard work and their positive influence on me. I’m sure they could use the encouragement.

Gifts from God

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”

I Corinthians 12:4-6

Father God, thank you for sharing your gifts with each one of us. Keep our attitudes toward our gifts pure, Lord. Let us not become proud because we perceive our gifts as better than others. By the same token, let us not feel small and insignificant because we perceive the gifts of others as more important than our own. Help us to remember that each gift is just that, a gift from our heavenly father who knows how to give good gifts. Lord, show us how to use those gifts for your glory.