I’ve missed you.
During the past week of activity on and near the Oregon coastline, I didn’t have opportunity to prepare the weekday Morning Devotions and the absence of expression left a distinct void within me.
I’m glad to be back in the saddle.
Because our return flight bordered on red-eye status — we hit the bed at 2:47 a.m. — this will be a somewhat abbreviated devotion.
Thank God that its content is packed with potency attributable to the richness of God’s Word.
It’s so easy to become entrapped by declining self-confidence when we see others who are better than us at certain jobs, at staying fit, at making and managing money, at personal grooming or at forming satisfying relationships.
And when we make poor choices regarding spirituality, our view of self can take an even bigger hit.
That’s why passages like this one from today’s One-Year Bible reading can do SO much to help us regain confidence and strength.
“If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” (I John 1:7-8).
Listen, I should try my best at all times to be a good family member, a good provider, a good neighbor, a good citizen and the list of expected competencies goes on and on.
I know that I’m going to fail at times, however, and allow my feet or hands or thoughts slip into the shadows. I’m grateful that the promise and grace of God gives me a safe harbor to speed toward when I’m in the self-induced storms of personal error.
I just have to remember to set sail toward the Lighthouse.
For that’s where I’ll find the calming, cleansing peace that I need when I’m tired and when I’ve been in the wrong.
Please keep the Lighthouse in view, my friend. That way, we’ll enjoy the journey to safe harbor together.
As always, I love you
Martin
