A Hand Along the Journey: Poems for the King from One Pilgrim to Another

Lord Jesus, It’s that time again…tomorrow is the first day of school. 2,340 days You’ve walked up to the front of the classroom with me to teach, and tomorrow will begin our next round of 180. First it was my 3 rd -5 th graders in Peru for a year, and then a dozen years with my own kids. We’ve wrestled with spelling words and long division, taught from the couch when I was on bedrest, and had Valentine’s Day learning games while my mom was listening from her hospice bed. We’ve had hundred day of school parties, music practice, winter reading contests, science projects,…and lots of book work. We’ve seen Your fingerprints in every subject, Your providence in every arena. It has been an amazing journey, a privilege like no other to spend this much time with my kids, having a front row seat in their academic development and spiritual discipleship. Thank You for being the Teacher Who has brought it all to be. Father, bless this school year with the blessings of Numbers 6:24-26! Lord Je...

  When they had crossed over, they came   to the land of Gennesaret.   And when the men of that place recognized Him [Jesus],  they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick,   and begged Him that they might only   touch the hem of His garment. And   as many as touched   it   were made perfectly well. (Matt. 14:34-36)   It didn’t matter the sickness they had; There wasn’t any disease too bad That couldn’t be cured by coming to Him, And touching only His garment’s hem.   Desperate faith made them dare to beseech The God Who’d put Himself in their reach. And all who touched were made perfectly whole – “Saved through”* the plagues of body and soul.   “Touch the hem!” their story compels, Joining the echo of all the true tales Of lives changed – the whisper of centuries – “Look up in faith to know Jesus!”   My soul, make this practice your reflex of faith: G...

     In Matthew 11:25-26, Jesus prays the following: “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. ”      A few years ago, my mother-in-law pointed out how that second sentence highlights Jesus’ submission to whatever the Father desired. She mentioned that she had once heard someone say that verse 26 is an appropriate response when we encounter challenges that we would rather bypass. From time to time I remember that thought.      “Even so” is a strong affirmative “yes.” Luke 10:21 records the same prayer, adding that Jesus rejoiced as He prayed. That characteristic submission to the Father shines through His other recorded prayers also, perhaps the most notable example being Gethsemane’s “nevertheless” prayer, when sorrow underscored His words. So, as imitators of Christ, from joy t...

It doesn't have to be a perfect day to be a good day. Tasks need not be profound to be impactful; Don't focus on yourself if you'd be joyful. God's light breaks through all darkness, for He's with you.

  “…the strength of the hills is His also.”   – Psalm 95:4   Rugged majesty beckons. Bird songs echo the summons. Wind on my face invigorates. Horizon’s grandeur fascinates. Nothing manmade disrupts the view Of mountain splendor made by You.   Thousands of trees in varied green, Leaves that scintillate sunlight’s sheen. Wildflowers, gurgling creek - Beauty that the soul may seek. Rocky cliffs picture solid strength Passing centuries in length.   Footpaths say to come explore Higher, farther; hike some more. Ones I love along for the walk, Picnic lunch on a sunny rock. History’s tales from hills like these Challenge my soul to heroic deeds.   Best part of mountain excursions? Time with You, without diversions: Joy of abiding fellowship sweet Because my God has come to meet Me on the grand, grand mountains He made, And His love is the serenade.

“And they remembered His words.” Luke 24:8   Forgotten had been His clear prophecy Concerning His death’s necessity And resurrection that surely would be. Still He rose from the grave triumphantly, And they remembered His words.     It was an “Oh, yeah…that’s right” moment that morn, As joy changed faces that had been so forlorn. The King’s rightful crown never could be a thorn! Since they’d forgotten, they’d lost hope when they mourned, And they remembered His words.     And this is the motto I long to strive for: Honor my God with verse 8 of Luke 24. Make it the recourse my thoughts turn to more Than anything else; not after, before. And they remembered His words.     When my heart feels all jumbled, struggling to stand, Help me lean on, each time, words from Your hand. Spoken by He Who eternity spanned, By them faith’s flickering flame is fanned. And they remembered His words.     Lov...