Today, on my solitary morning walk, I was accompanied by two most unlikely companions. Silent though they were, I found them to be quite congenial. Indeed, I welcomed the comfort of their presence keeping me company in the stillness of the early morning. And so we journeyed together, my companions and I, the rising sun on my one hand and the fading moon on my other.

They were sharing the sky, while keeping their distance from one another. But let’s face it, it is a big sky. A sky certainly big enough to accommodate them both, and so it did. I did not ask the moon why she lingered long past her bedtime, loathe to leave the now daytime sky. She must have had good reason, this morning moon, to hang around and hoover over me as I walked and talked to no one in particular – yet I gave the nod of notice to each rabbit, bird, duck, goose and yes even squirrel that shared their morning space with me.

I wondered that my one companion was not wanted in someone else’s sky – was she not expected as darkness fell somewhere in this world? this lesser light, to illuminate a sky all her own, no need to share her mysterious magic with the one whose presence dims her luster, forcing her to fade from view – when she could have the sky all to herself, save for a thousand million twinkling lights as backdrop for her luminous presence, reigning over the night.

But this morning, I welcomed her company, intrusion though the sun must think it to be – not only because she is forced to share her sky, but it is usually just the two of us on these morning walks and the moon never has to share me in the evening.

I confess – my attention was definitely divided today. I watched the sun grow brighter as she rose with slow splendor, while simultaneously I beheld the sinking moon, fading, yet with a transformed translucence that held my gaze upon her morning beauty – afraid to look away lest she would have disappeared from my sight while I looked upon lesser things.

However, there were no lesser things to look upon on this fall morning. Every tree was full of a color all its own, each more glorious than its neighbor, together an array of colors defying description. I let the colors fill my eyes, sink into my heart, then settle in my soul. I will need them, these living, indescribable colors. They will be my hedge against the gray of winter, when I shall recall to mind this particular morning when the three of us, the sun, the moon and I – gathered colors, in quiet camaraderie, shared the still beauty of the morning, and stored up all its pleasures as treasures to be closely guarded.

Today, I gathered pictures in mind’s eye of trees’ reflection on still water, of reeds and swimming ducks and geese in flight between sun and moon, in perfect form against blue sky. Yes, my unlikely companions and I had a most spectacular time together, sharing our morning’s journey. For we were each on our own path, when our paths per chance converged – merging for moments fair though fleeting – for the sun had much to do before her pre-appointed time to leave the sky should arrive and so did I, come to think of it. And the moon? Well, she was already late for her next appearance.

I can only guess at the impatience of a starry host somewhere over a vast ocean eagerly waiting her arrival into their midst, completing the lighting of the night sky. And so our paths, so happily but briefly merged, now digressed as the sun, the moon and I said our goodbyes, continued on our separate ways, carrying the joy of the journey shared between us on into our coming day.

thank You, Lord, for unlikely companions to keep me company on my journey . . .

“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.’ And it was so. God made two great lights – the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. . . . God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, . . . And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:14-18)

sincerely, Grace Day

The question posited by Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg one-hundred fifty-seven years ago may well be one that we find ourselves asking again today. Can our nation “so conceived and so dedicated long endure?” How was she conceived? and how dedicated? Lincoln’s address to those assembled on that day, November 19th, 1863 answers that question this way.

He explained that our new nation was “conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” The great experiment. At that time the United States was a mere eighty-seven years old and failing to live up to her promise of equality for all. But many were willing to lay down their lives to ensure that this nation did extend that promise of liberty and equality to each and every person.

And lay down their lives they did. The Gettysburg Address was delivered at the dedication of a plot of land that was to become Soldier’s National Cemetery. That’s why Lincoln and the others had gathered at Gettysburg on that November day. They had come to honor and to bury those who had already given their lives so that others might live – but not just live, live free. Freedom is not cheap. It comes at a cost. And the cost was already high.

Some are willing to pay the price. Men such as Patrick Henry who famously said, “Give me liberty or give me death.” To some life is not worth living if they are not free to choose how they will live.

I was reminded of this just this morning in church. Two people spoke to us this morning, a man from Jordan and a woman from the DRC. (Democratic Republic of the Congo) Both had experienced persecution for practicing their faith, which put their lives in danger. They had fled to the U.S. several years ago and are now both citizens of our country.

Today, they shared their stories with us. They told us that we can’t truly appreciate how rare and wonderful this country is, because we have never known anything different. We have not experienced what those around the globe experience on a daily basis. I confess – I too often take for granted all the freedoms I enjoy, including the freedom to worship God openly. I have these freedoms because others purchased and secured them for me at a price. The price? Their lives.

To the rest of the world the United States is a symbol of hope, a beacon of light, a last bastion of freedom. Must be why so many risk so much to come here. Like the two individuals who came to my church this morning, they are seeking their God given, unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which their own countries have denied them.

And so the question of Gettysburg remains with us today, how long can this nation endure? There are those who would tear her down and see her burn. Democracy does not work well, when dead peoples’ voices are heard while the voices of the living are disregarded, silenced or remain silent. Democracy dies when we choose comfort over conscience, complacence over courage and silence over speaking out.

May the light of freedom not be extinguished on our watch. The world is watching.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)

“For God is the King of all the earth; sing to Him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.” (Psalm 47:7-9)

sincerely, Grace Day

I looked at what I had just typed (or what I thought I had just typed) but instead saw before me pure gibberish, unrecognizable letters and symbols strung together, making absolutely no sense. What I saw on the computer screen before me was definitely not what I had just finished typing! Well, it was not what I had intended to type and by extension not what I had intended to say.

Then I looked down at my keyboard, more to the point, I looked at my fingers on said keyboard and what had happened immediately became clear to me. It was the placement of my fingers on the keyboard that was the culprit. Nothing major, just one key off sideways in either direction or one row off up or down and nothing will come out right. And nothing had come out right. The proof of that was on my computer screen!

You cannot start from a wrong position and expect things to turn out right. Yet that was exactly what I had done. My fingers were positioned one key off from the correct starting position. My fingers had executed their motions correctly, but from a wrong starting position. I had done everything right except to check to make sure I started with my fingers on the correct keys.

If I start from a wrong position I will end up at a wrong place. If I began with a false premise I will arrive at a false conclusion. What starts with a lie cannot end in the truth. It is an impossibility. Truth is the foundation upon which freedom is formed. This is the lesson my keyboard taught me today.

I am told we are living in a “post-truth” era. Facts don’t matter, it is feelings that are given precedence and followed. I don’t know about you, dear readers, but I freely confess – on any given day my feelings run the gamut, they are all over the place. So my truth is an ever changing entity. This does not inspire much confidence in me as I attempt to ascertain what is true.

God’s word is truth, eternal truth. I read in Psalm 119:160 these words,

“All Your words are true; all Your righteous laws are eternal.”

and in John 17:17 Jesus’s prayer for His disciples was,

“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”

We are also told in Matthew 24:35,

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”

The words of Isaiah 40:8 proclaim the same truth about God’s word saying,

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

So there is truth – the enduring, unchanging truth found in God’s holy, living word. I read in John 16:13,

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you (me) into all truth.”

This is what I long for – truth. I don’t want to build my life on a lie. Actually, there is something else I desire greatly and that is freedom. These words of Jesus often come to mind as I ponder the relationship between truth and freedom,

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

That is what I want – to know the truth and to be free. There is an important truth in God’s word that is incorporated into our Declaration of Independence. It is this,

“We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights . . . ”

We are all equal because we are all created by God in His image, deriving our intrinsic value from our Creator.

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

So it is the premise contained in our own Declaration of Independence that holds the promise for each and every one of us as citizens. The promise is contained in the premise that all men (people) being equal is a self-evident truth.

This promise procures for each of us access to the protections of our constitution. This is a promise of endless possibilities and opportunities for us as free individuals to pursue prosperity for ourselves and for our children in peace and tranquility.

Why has America been a symbol of freedom, promise and opportunity to the rest of the world throughout her brief history? Could it be because she was founded on a truthful premise, straight from God’s word? (that being that all people are created by God and therefore are equally valuable and have equal rights given them by their Creator) This is a truth that government should not interfere with but instead exist to protect.

Our founding fathers started with truth, with a true premise. So there is hope that in the working out of and in the living up to that truth, America can attain to good ends. America was not founded on a false premise, but on truth. Truth is a sure foundation for freedom to flourish. But in truth’s absence freedom will die.

America started with her hands correctly placed on the keyboard, acknowledging God as our Creator and as the giver of our human rights. (remember God’s word is truth, eternal truth – the only truth in an ever changing world)

Now, even though America’s hands were correctly placed on the keyboard, the movements of her fingers (unlike mine) have not always been flawless and mistakes have been made. But her starting place is truth so arriving at a destination of liberty and justice for all is possible. But if you start with a lie, you will never arrive at the truth. And without truth, you will never be free.

Today I am wondering if America will live up to her founding documents (the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution) or if she will make a deal with the devil so to speak. Historically, it happens often. As Paul said in Romans 1:25,

“The exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.”

America became a bastion of freedom for the oppressed precisely because she was founded on the truth of God, not government, giving us our rights. Governments are to protect and defend those rights of the individual, not restrict nor usurp them. But if we began to believe the lie that it is government who determines who and what has value, rather than God’s word, we will go down a very different path. Remember, if you start with a lie, you will never arrive at the truth. A lie cannot lead to truth.

Today many may be praying that we remain the land of the free and the home of the brave. I guess that will depend in part on how brave the brave actually are right about now to speak out and not remain silent. The world is watching, waiting, hoping that freedom’s light is not extinguished in a final flurry of fire. rather let it rain . . .

“You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the Lord, have created it.” (Isaiah 45:8)

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” ( 2 Corinthians 3:17)

sincerely, Grace Day

It is a big city and an even bigger world we live in – and I confess – we are just a small group, grown even smaller in number with the passing of the days it seems. And yet there we were, standing in the gap once again – a gap growing wider even as we grow smaller – and yet . . .

we were each in obedience, being where we were called to be on this quiet Saturday morning like any other – and yet not. Our instructions?

“I urge, then, first of all , that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

If we want peace, we are told to pray for those in authority over us. And so we came together in obedience to petition God for peace in our time, for peace in our country, for peace in our city – for God’s peace to prevail in our city streets, providing protection and paths for reconciliation and restoration of damages done.

The peace God gives is a powerful peace that passes our human understanding. We simply cannot comprehend it fully, but we do experience it. At least that’s what it says in Philippians 4:6-7,

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

So God’s peace will protect my heart and my mind when I bring all my worries, anxieties, fears, needs and requests to Him. This is great news and a welcome comfort during this volatile time in history. The Living Bible translates it this way,

“His (God’s) peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.”

Most of us are in pursuit of personal peace these days, even as civil unrest and increased crime seem to surround and overwhelm us. We desire both personal and public peace. Both seem elusive and impossibly out of reach. Yet Jesus is the Prince of Peace of whom it says in Isaiah 9:7,

“Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.”

His reign is further described in these terms,

“but with righteousness He will judge the needy, with justice He will give decisions for the poor of the earth. . . . The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. . . . They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:4 & 6-9)

This is indeed a whole new world! No strife, no destruction, no harm to the vulnerable and the weak. Why? Knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth! His Presence brings peace and protection and prosperity to humankind. He is a God of order and unity, therefore His mere Presence dispels the chaos and division that our misguided human striving has invited into our personal and public lives.

And so we petitioned not a human judge but our Heavenly Father, for the peace we so desire in the life of our country and in our own lives as well. He is faithful. We are told in James 5:16,

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

We stood in the gap, inviting, beseeching, begging for God’s intervention into our tumultuous circumstances – desiring that His Presence which is filling the earth from every sunrise to every sunset, be made manifest in a mighty way.  

Petitions for peace will continue, dear readers. The prayer of Colossians 3:15,

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”

That’s where peace starts, in individual hearts. It has to take root there before it can spread to the heart of a nation. And our nation desperately needs a new and peacefilled heart.

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

sincerely, Grace Day

In 1955 Albert Camus ( a French philosopher and winner of the Nobel Prize in literature in 1957) wrote the following words,

“The welfare of the people in particular has always been the alibi of tyrants, and it provides the further advantage of giving the servants of tyranny a good conscience.”

I wonder what Albert Camus would think, were he alive today to witness the reality of his words being played out around the world but most spectacularly right here in the United States. COVID-19 has indeed provided and proved to be the perfect alibi for a small number of people to seize power over a previously free, self governing nation of people.

In COVID world there are no voices of dissent tolerated. If you disagree with any edicts dictating public behavior, openings/closings, comings and goings, who is essential and who is not, who may congregate and who may not, (still a mystery why some are allowed to gather and others are threatened with legal action if they dare to gather- isn’t the virus equally deadly no matter what the reason for the gathering of people together?) you are shamed into silence and accused of wishing harm to anyone and everyone.

After all, it is those in power, the tyrants, who have our best interests at heart. They know so much more than we could ever hope to know and so must protect us from ourselves and our own bad choices. We have to trust them, right? We dare not trust ourselves, the tyrants have made that clear.

And so we are at the mercy of the tyrants. The problem is, tyrants by definition are not merciful. They are anything but. They have no interest in justice, equality or freedom either. How ironic that they parade under the banner of these ideals even as everything they do works to extinguish our freedoms, the very freedoms which provide us the opportunity to continue pursuing justice and equality for all.

Who loves this country enough to speak out on her behalf? Why all the silence, which gives its unspoken consent and defense to all things previously indefensible? That rhetoric is not popular at the moment. Or is it the mandatory mask mandate that has muzzled us into an uneasy silence – masks being a constant reminder that there is personal danger from both disease and dissent? The question is, which will ultimately prove to be the more deadly?

In 1770 Edmund Burke wrote these telling words in a letter to Thomas Mercer. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” (or to remain silent)

Another voice from the past, Otto Gritschneder, left us words of warning as well stating, “He who falls asleep in a democracy will wake up in a dictatorship.”

Are we silent because we are sleeping, comfortable for the moment, unwilling to be disturbed or are we silent out of fear, unwilling to risk our current comforts to defend our constitution and the freedoms and protections it provides for us all?

It seems there are few who will come to the defense of this country, this country that has provided them shelter, protection and opportunity to pursue their dreams. Even the opportunity to protest is protected under our first amendment.

How ironic that those who riot in our streets are protesting and burning down the very country which protects their right to do so and protects their freedom to have any opinion they choose. Do they know what happens to people in China who dissent? When you have abolished our Constitution, who will protect you then? (certainly not the now defunct police whom you denigrated and then defunded) Yes, they were there to protect you, too. Well, unless you were committing crimes, that is. Then they were there to protect us from you.

There is this hopeful sign though. In my state, the early voting lines have been long and continue to be long day after day. People are standing in line for hours to cast their vote in person. And with 4-7 hour wait times at some locations, this is quite a sacrifice of their time, yet still the lines continue to be long and they continue to be peaceful.

When our streets are overrun with rioters assaulting police, burning, looting, vandalizing, tearing down and terrorizing – we feel helpless. We may be tempted to think that these rioters speak for everyone, that everyone hates our country and wants to destroy her. Our voices are not heard. In fact, they are even silenced. After all, Patriotism is a punishable offense.

Just look at what happened to Drew Brees. You are not allowed to say you love your country. How many apologies did he issue for simply saying something positive and sharing his feelings publicly? (at least five and counting) I thought free speech was still guaranteed by our constitution?

But these long voting lines tell a different story. One the media won’t tell, but a story nonetheless. No one is paying these voters to stand in line, unlike the professional, paid protesters showing up in every city with bags of bats, bricks and bombs (we saw a u-haul pull up at one site to deliver the mob their ammunition for another night of terror and destruction)

The individuals waiting in voting lines at the polls are quiet and peaceful. They are counting on their voice being heard at the ballot box where their vote will be counted. They are not tearing anything down, they are not attacking anyone physically or verbally but they are participating in the process that lets them choose those who end up in office.

The unprecedented numbers of people in these long lines reveal to us this untold story. There is a silent majority in our country who want peace and prosperity for everyone. (I confess – I am and have been a part of that silent majority, maybe for far too long) And for the past few weeks here in my state, they have been silently standing up and standing in long lines for the privilege of casting their vote. They are letting their voices be heard, not by burning something down, but by participating in the democratic process. And they are willing to pay the price of a long wait, in questionable weather, on their feet – it must be important to each person there or they would simply leave.

These are not the people who have filled our streets with hate speech and violence. These are people willing to sacrifice their time and comfort for something more important. Freedom comes at a cost. In our lifetime the cost hasn’t been very high, as it was paid by those who came before us, those who gave their lives to secure and protect our current freedoms.

It is a very vocal minority that has taken over our streets purporting to speak for all of us, when in reality they speak only for themselves and no one else. They do not speak for me.

I do not think reacting to an act of injustice with multiple acts of multiplied injustices over long periods of time benefits anyone. No one’s life is made better by hate, destruction, violence, vengeance, fear, intimidation, and a mob mentality rule. No one. The answer to injustice is not more injustice. We all suffer as our communities are torn down and terrorized by – by whom?

These people should not be able to hide behind anonymity. Of course that’s why they come out when the sun goes down. Those who do dark deeds love the cover of darkness. “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)

Voices from the past continue to speak into our lives today, if we listen to them and learn from them. Gandhi’s words are still with us and they were many. This observation of his is particularly pertinent,

“I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary, the evil it does is permanent.” Likewise Gandhi stated,

“Permanent good can never be the outcome of untruth and violence.” Gandhi’s message was this,

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” Maybe meaning positive change doesn’t come through violence? How does it come? These words of Gandhi answer that question,

“The spirit of democracy is not a mechanical thing to be adjusted by abolition of forms. It requires change of heart.”

Human hearts are hard to change, especially when they are hardened hearts. Fortunately, we don’t need to rely on a voice from the past to guide us in how to change our hearts. We have an ever present voice in the person of God’s Holy Spirit speaking God’s wisdom and truth into our hearts and minds and lives all day long. But we have to stop and we have to listen.

Jesus told His disciples concerning the Holy Spirit, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. . . . But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 14:26 & John 16:13)

And truth is necessary for freedom. Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. . . . So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:32 & 36)

Paul said in Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

When the truth is known, freedom will follow. It is lies and deceits that keep us captive. (that’s why a free press was so important to our founding fathers) When speech is not free, the people are not free. When we cannot worship freely (or choose not to) we are no longer free.

Today voices from our past mingle with the voices of our present. Yet above them all is the still, small, steady voice of God’s Holy Spirit calling us to Him who can change our hearts and make us holy. Gandhi was onto something when he said the heart must change first, then world change will follow in its wake.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) “Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires.” (Living Bible translation)

sincerely, Grace Day

I confess – a childhood song is singing to me in memory’s ear, faintly but still clear enough to call to mind long forgotten bits and pieces of my past. Turns out they were neither forgotten nor lost, just dormant – waiting for a reawakening. And today was the day. The day for forgotten melodies to play again in my head, though they had been stored up in my heart all these years.

The song? a pre-school song of sorts. “Oh be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little eyes what you see, for the Father up above is looking down with love, oh be careful little eyes what you see.” It even had motions to go with the words, if I remember rightly.

I have been thinking about vision, more specifically, focus, perspective, viewpoint – they all have to do with how we see the world around us and the people in it. Worldview, some call it. Does where you look determine what you see? (I guess that seems kind of obvious now that I’ve said it)

So then, changing where I look will change what I see, which will change my perspective? Maybe that’s why Hebrews 12:2 tells me to,

“fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith.” Why? Because where I look matters. On what or on whom I fix my gaze determines the direction of my steps which ultimately determines the destination of my soul. It all starts with a look.

Maybe that’s why God told Abraham (back when he was still Abram) to look up. You see, Abram was having his doubts and his conversation with God went something like this (well, exactly like this)

“Then the word of the Lord came to him: (Abram) ‘This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.’ He (God) took him (Abram) outside and said, ‘Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.’ The He (God) said to him (Abram), ‘So shall your offspring be.’ Abram believed the Lord, and He (the Lord) credited it to him (Abram) as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:4-6)

God asked Abram to look up. God invited Abram to gaze upon the expanse of the star-studded night sky and catch just a glimpse of who He is as Creator/Sustainer of the entire universe. God knew Abram needed to look up not down, outward not inward. Abram needed to look outward to something or someone greater than himself, rather than continuing to look inward to himself for the answers that he sought.

This shift in Abram’s focus determined the steps of his journey which led him to fulfill his destiny, becoming Abraham along the way. This would not be the only time looking up would be an important part of Abraham’s story. Remember when he took his son, Isaac, up the mountain to sacrifice him as God had instructed him to do? (it was a test of Abraham’s trust and obedience)

Here’s how that story ended. “Then he (Abraham) reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham! . . . Do not lay a hand on the boy,’ he said. ‘Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from Me your son, your only son..’ ”

It is at this point in the story that Abraham shifts his focus from looking down at his son to – to what? well, see for yourself,

“Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.” (Genesis 22:10-13)

Abraham looked up, he shifted his gaze which changed his focus. He saw something he had not seen before – the ram caught in the thicket. He looked up and he saw God’s provision, he looked up and he saw God’s answer. Abraham saw God’s answer to the question Isaac had asked of him just hours earlier, as they journeyed together up the mountain. This was how their conversation went . . .

” ‘The fire and wood are here,’ Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’ Abraham answered, ‘God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together.” (Genesis 22:7-8)

And indeed, when Abraham looked up he was able to see God’s provision there before his very eyes. This reminds me of a verse I have always loved, Psalm 3:3, which says –

“But You are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head.” Some translations say “You are the lifter of my head.”

There are times when I am too weary or too discouraged to lift up my own head. I am downcast and I feel downtrodden. But these words remind me that when I am too weak, too defeated or too despairing to lift up my own head, it is my Heavenly Father who lifts it for me, as a tender parent might do for an inconsolable child, in order to wipe away their tears.

He does this for a reason, this lifting of my head. He does this to shift my vision, my gaze upward and outward, to shift my gaze onto Him. Psalm 121:1-2 says it so beautifully with these words,

“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

When my head is lifted up, my line of vision will be lifted up along with it. I will be able to gaze upward and outward to hills, mountains, sunsets, sunrises, starry skies, lovely lakes, soaring birds – all proclaiming the glory of God.

Where I fix my eyes matters. Hebrews 12:2 has already told me to “fix my eyes on Jesus” and there is another similar suggestion in 2 Corinthians 4:18 telling me to –

“fix my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

There’s that word “fix” again. To gaze at steadfastly, no turning away – that sports metaphor of “don’t take your eye off the ball” or “keep your eye on the prize.” Because where I am looking matters. Just look at Lot’s wife, if that isn’t a cautionary tale?

Remember, she and her family were running for their lives to escape the coming destruction of their city. However, as it turns out, “But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26)

I guess where we look matters. Look what it says in Colossians 3:2 to us,

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

There’s that “setting” or “fixing” again. This time with the mind and my mind will follow where I set my sights or rest my eyes. So I guess I would do well to fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith.

All of creation, in fact, is looking to its Creator. Why should I do any different?

“The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”

I started with a song in my head and now I’m ending with a different tune playing quietly in memories’ ears, it’s been keeping me company as I’ve written these words today, dear readers, so I will share this song with you in closing . . .

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace”

lift your head and look at Him . . .

sincerely, Grace Day

Yes, it is true I struck out yesterday in my intended endeavor. But I made some new friends and spent some time outdoors on a beautiful fall afternoon so it wasn’t a total waste of time. But I did not succeed in my original goal of casting my vote in the 2020 election. I confess – with about two hours already invested but a projected possible three to four hours (or more) stretching ahead of me in a long, winding line of humanity, and with the sun going down along with the temperature – I bailed. I admitted defeat – temporarily, vowing to try again another day.

And so I shall. You see, I discovered something yesterday. I think waiting in line to vote could just be the new tailgating! ok, so it’s tailgating except with strangers and no sporting event and no food grilling. Still, there hasn’t been much football this fall and even with the limited college and NFL games there is no tailgating allowed. Enter long election lines to fill the void!

And actually, shortly before I bailed, a large food truck did pull into the parking lot where we were all waiting in line, a captive crowd of hungry potential customers, adding to the tailgate-like atmosphere. (all that was missing was the marching band and an actual football game) It wasn’t enough to convince me to stay however, although the smells coming from that direction were really good.

At some point, we attempted to conduct our own exit poll of sorts, if we could flag people down. However, our question was not “who did you vote for?” it was the much more relevant and pressing question of “how long have you been here?” We wanted to get an idea of how much longer was the wait that awaited us. The news was not encouraging.

And yet people stayed. And I discovered an important truth. If you have to be in a long line for a long time, you are indeed fortunate if you find yourself in line with an optimist. I did. It was my good fortune to find myself next to Mona, my new friend, the optimist. She would have made the remaining hours more than barely bearable, had I chosen to stay. She was great company!

You know, dear readers, for a fast paced, fast food, drive through, no waiting kind of a culture that we are, what I saw yesterday defied all the odds. Hundreds of people, waiting long, giving up their Saturday for the opportunity, the privilege of casting their vote in person. No grumbling, no complaining, just a peaceful passing of the time in a long and winding line, which wove its way back and forth, back and forth across and around a parking lot before it ever came close to the building.

There was a kind of a quiet camaraderie which developed among us all, we, these total strangers thrown together for this brief time (which turned out to be not so brief) But we all shared a common goal. We wanted to cast our vote, to participate in our democracy. We wanted our voice to be heard and we wanted our concerns to be counted. And so we stayed. (well, they stayed)

That parking lot was a picture of the America I know and love. We were all kinds of people by any measure of description – gender, age, occupation, educational background, skin color, religious affiliation, political persuasions and on and on. But all of us shared a common purpose yesterday because we all share something in common – we share this country, our country – this country we all call home. We all value our freedom of life, liberty and our pursuit of happiness. We all want to live in peace and safety.

And so we were all partakers in a common purpose yesterday, that purpose of participating in our own governance. No one that I saw was wearing anything that would give away their voting preference. And that was not a topic of discussion within my earshot anyway. We were just thankful to be free to cast our vote. The fact that so many were willing to wait for so long told the story. We, as Americans, still value our country and the freedoms she continues to provide us.

Standing in line for the two hours that I did, left me filled with hope for our country. Not everybody hates her. Not everybody hates each other. I guess the media was wrong. Maybe a small, vocal minority does not speak for the rest of us? They certainly do not speak for me. I do not hate my fellow Americans, no matter what their skin color nor what their beliefs. That is what freedom is. Freedom to choose one’s way in life, freedom to practice faith or not, freedom from fear of mob rule and oppression.

Maybe America is still the land of opportunity for those willing to accept the challenge she offers of self determination? Let us hope so. And let us do something else, too. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 tells us this,

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

So I have the privilege of praying for my leaders even if they are not the ones I voted for. Kind of like the “pray for your enemies” command found in scripture. But I can rest secure in this knowledge after I have done my duty to vote – it is what Romans 13:1 tells me,

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

Furthermore Daniel 2:21 reveals this,

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them.”

” . . . so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone He wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.” (Daniel 4:17)

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)

here’s hoping your voting experience is as uplifting as mine, only with a better outcome in that you actually stay the course and cast your vote! meanwhile, I am still at bat – I will most definitely swing at the next opportunity . . .

sincerely, Grace Day

Who is He? We all ask that question at some time or another in our lives – or most of us do, if we are even remotely curious. The disciples of Jesus asked this question among themselves after experiencing a particularly dramatic incident. This harrowing event started out as an unremarkable boat ride undertaken by Jesus and His disciples. But “Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.”

Now Jesus was sleeping but the disciples, fearing they were all going to drown, woke Him saying, “Lord, save us!” So Jesus “rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The disciples just sat there, awed! ‘Who is this,’ they asked themselves, ‘that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’ ” (Matthew 8:23-27)

Who is He? Who is this God in three persons, my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit? Just as the disciples asked this question so many years ago, people continue to ask today, who is He? who is God? Infinite in being, there are infinite answers to this age old question. I confess – I could not presume to fully answer such a question, but perhaps the question “who is He to me?” yields a personal if not complete answer.

God is the lifter of my head, the Savior of my soul, the forgiver and forgetter of all my sins. He is the light in my darkness. He is the numberer of the hairs on my head as well as the numberer of my days. He is the counter of the stars, the caller of sinners to repentance and the collector of all my tears. He is the Good Shepherd. He is my Good Shepherd. He is my protector and my provider. He is the maker of my manna and the bestower of mercies new every morning.

He is the One who knows my words before I speak them. He is the One who sees me when no one else does and listens to me when I pray. He knows the way that I take. He is the One who pulls me from the pit and sets my feet on solid ground. He is the One who made clothes for Adam and Eve and He is the One who clothes me now with His righteousness. He is the payer of my price, the One who bought me with His own blood. He is the One who trains my feet for the high places and enables me to soar on wings like eagles.

He is the preparer of a place for me and the sealer of my salvation. He is the healer of all my infirmities. He is the bearer of my burdens and the straightener of my paths. He is the mover of my mountains. He is the Maker of my heart, the changer of my heart, the cleanser of my heart, the remover of my stony heart and the One who replaces it with a heart of flesh.

He is the One who counsels me with His wisdom and consoles me with His lovingkindness. He teaches me His ways and writes His laws on my heart. He convicts me of sin and disciplines me as His beloved child. He is the One who strengthens me when I am weak, who is my hope when I despair, who reminds me not to be afraid because He is with me.

He is the Creator of life, the Giver of life, the Sustainer of life, the Bread of life, the One who gave His own life that I might live. He is the author and perfecter of my faith. He is my shade, my shield, my strong tower of protection. He is my constant companion who sticks closer than a brother.

He is the One who has my name engraved on the palms of His hands, the One who covers me with His feathers and the One who rejoices over me with singing. He is the One who leads me beside still waters and into green pastures. He is the One who feeds me even when my enemies surround me.

He is the One who hems me in, behind and before. He is the One who knit me together in my mother’s womb, the One who orders my steps, directs my paths and numbers my days. He is the One who never leaves me nor forsakes me, even when others do.

He is my anchor in uncertain times, He is my advocate in heaven. He pleads my case and prepares my way. He is my rock, He is my firm foundation that stands the test of time and trouble. He is my shelter in the storm, my comfort in pain and sorrow. He is my everpresent friend in the furnace, the Living Water in my desert, the Provider of the lamb for my necessary sacrifice.

He is the One who rescues me from danger, redeems my life for His own, restores me and renews me daily. He is the Vine that sustains my life and supplies all my needs. In His presence are peace, hope, joy, comfort, eternal pleasures indescribable in nature. He is the Creator of the universe and He is my Abba Father. He dwells in unapproachable light and also with me, the contrite and lowly. I say along with the Psalmist,

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You.” (Psalm 73:25)

Who is God to me? Colossians 1:16-17 sums it up with these words,

“For by Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

Who is God to me? Acts 17:28 says it best,

“For in Him we (I) live and move and have our (my) being.”

God is all these things and infinitely more. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. He is the One “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

sincerely, Grace Day

I confess to you here that there is nothing like the blue of an October sky on a cloudless day. It is a blue so vibrant, so clear, that it defies description by mere words alone. It is a blue you simply have to experience for yourself. And as you stand gazing at this October sky, you will find yourself asking, how can this be the same sky I looked up to in July? so different from a July sky is the sight (although a July sky is completely, perfectly wonderful in its own right). Or you may wonder, how can it bear no resemblance to an April sky? (after all it is the same sky, right?)

Albert Camus said this about fall. “Autumn is a second Spring when every leaf is a flower.” I couldn’t agree with him more! I think perhaps he loves fall as much as I always have. The smell of wet leaves underfoot is the smell of autumn and it is the smell of home to me. (we had lots of trees and there were always lots of unraked leaves covering the ground)

Funny how a smell brings back so many memories. On my walks this time of year I am home in memory only, as I can no longer return to my childhood home except in memory. But autumn walks provide adequate time to spend in reverie. and for pondering such things as . . .

why an October sky is not the blue of any other sky? Perhaps because a suitable backdrop is needed against which to display the fall colors glowing from every tree (save evergreens). We look up to view such a spectacular sight, leaves of reds and golds and oranges, distinct against the bright, blue brilliance of an October sky.

The flowers of fall, as Camus said, flowers we look upward to view, not downward – these flowers are not planted in the ground. But to the ground they will eventually find their way, fall showers being the colorful cascading of the brightly colored leaves on their annual journey from tree to ground – they fill the air with their weightless wonder – we a captive audience to their last dance before they join countless others on the ground of a forest floor or a city sidewalk, a sidewalk now for a time disguised as a colorful carpet in a magical land – the very leaves that stood vibrant against the backdrop of an autumn sky, now pave the path I walk – an ordinary path transformed – now a multi-colored patchwork of most intricate design.

Who will clothe all these trees left bereft of all their former splendor? Will not their Creator care for them? Matthew 6:28-30 gives an answer saying,

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”

Sometimes it is a delicate, sparkling frost that clings to every bare branch as a rising sun reveals the beauty of new clothes to a waking world. At other times, dazzling ice may coat each branch, transparent yet reflecting every beam of light, giving glory to every tree in her naked state. Still other days these same trees may find themselves fully clothed in soft flakes of snow, covering them with lacy elegance unmatched in all the world. Everyone pauses at this picture of the formerly barren, now adorned with such pure white beauty that the world hushes in response.

Yes, the world hushes as it waits patiently for spring, a time when a new wardrobe will be provided for every tree and bush and flower that has persevered through winter fully clothed in what God gives for every season.

So today I will spend time in my reverie of wet leaves and home and fires in the fireplace and hot cider and more color than can be contained and yet – there it is on display, free to anyone who would look with open eyes.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for surrounding me with such beauty in every season in which I find myself. Your Presence is revealed everywhere I look. Reminders of Your care and provision for all You have created surround me and fill the earth.

“The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:13-16)

sincerely, Grace Day

I came across this story in Matthew today which reminded me of the age old battle between words and deeds which continues to this very day. Maybe discrepancy is a more accurate description than the word battle is. Nevertheless, there is often a lack of congruency shall we say, between what we say and what we do. The two don’t always match up.

It is at this point I should confess – this is too often true in my own life as well. My words sound so good but my actions too often don’t live up to what I say, or they actually contradict what I say. Yes, my deeds may conflict with what I say I believe or with what I say I will do. So this story really resonated with me today.

It’s a story of a father and his two sons. To each son the father said, “Son, go and work today in the vineyard.” The first son answered, ” ‘I will not’ . . . but later he changed his mind and went.”

The other son answered, ” ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.” Then Jesus, who was telling this story, asked His disciples, ” ‘Which of the two did what his father wanted?’ ‘The first,’ they answered.” (Matthew 21:28-31)

Neither son’s words matched his deeds. That is clear. Ironically, the one who refused his father’s request with his words actually honored his father’s wishes with his actions when he went to work in the vineyard.

Many of the expressions we use today such as “actions speak louder than words” or “talk is cheap” or “don’t tell me, show me!” or even “all bark and no bite,” (all talk and no action) reflect the underlying truth revealed in this parable of Jesus.

I’ve had many interesting conversations lately related to the upcoming election and all the issues which surround it. One theme is abundantly, consistently, clear and all prevailing with most individuals, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, economic group, age, religion etc. – they do not like President Trump’s tweets. They find them offensive and objectionable across the board. In other words, they don’t like the President’s words – they do not like what he says.

I would weigh in, but I’m not on any social media, including Facebook and Twitter, so I don’t see them. I do know that when something on my TV screen or on my car radio offends me – I change the channel or turn it off! I am free to choose what I do and do not spend my time watching, listening to or reading.

I also know that the President’s tweets do not impact my life for better or for worse. My personal situation is not improved nor made more difficult by what he says. However, the things he does in his role as President do impact my daily life. Lower taxes impact me for the better as a wage earner. Eliminating U.S. dependence on foreign oil impacts me everyday at the gas pump.

The Criminal Justice reform act impacted many personally for the better, including Alice Johnson, who recently shared her inspiring story. Bringing jobs home from overseas, puts many Americans back to work and secures our supply chain in uncertain times. It was John F. Kennedy who said, “A rising tide raises all boats.” We all benefit from a secure and stable economy.

Rebuilding our military and pulling our troops out of unnecessary conflicts around the globe, saves lives and money that can now be spent building up rather than fighting wars where no one wins but many lives are lost. Taking care of our veterans, those that have protected us and our freedoms at great cost to themselves and their families is something else the President has done and continues to do.

Many U.S. presidents in the past talked about moving the American Embassy to Jerusalem but did not do so. (remember the son who said to his father, “I will, sir” but did not go?) President Trump made this move a reality, keeping his word. Now there are two peace deals done in the Middle East as well.

I am grateful that the President closed our borders to travel from China and then later to travel from Europe even though he was labeled a “fear-monger” and a “xenophobe” at the time by those who opposed his actions. I am grateful for renegotiated trade deals with China and NAFTA and for the deregulation that has allowed more timely development of medicines and potential vaccines for the treatment of COVID.

I celebrated along with many Americans when President Trump negotiated with Turkey and secured the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson, who was being held prisoner in Turkey. I was encouraged when I heard Tim Scott, a U.S. senator, speak of the Opportunity Zones he and the President had worked to create in urban areas across our country. It reminded me that unemployment had been at an all time low, for all groups of people, in mid-March when COVID concerns forced the closing of much of the economy.

I have appreciated President Trump’s public support of all our law enforcement officers across the country during this time when standing up for them and the job they do everyday is not a popular position. Police officers put their lives on the line everyday as they serve and protect us, but now they are under attack from the very people and communities they have been protecting all this time. The fact that the President has the courage to take a stand that is not popular, rather than just remain silent on the issue speaks volumes to me. (well, the action does the speaking)

President Trump’s working to preserve and protect our religious freedoms as well as His efforts to protect the lives of the unborn, make a tangible difference in my life now and will make a definitive difference far into the future of this country.

I don’t know what’s in all those tweets that’s got everyone so unhappy? I do know those tweets don’t affect the circumstances or the realities of my daily life but actions do have an impact that is much more real.

It’s like with dating and boyfriends and all. They can tell me they love me all they want. And it’s nice to hear and it makes me feel good for awhile until I realize I haven’t seen any actions to go along with the words. And maybe I’ve even experienced actions that directly contradict their words, such as spending time with other women or physically hurting me or taking money from me or demeaning me . . .

Words promise so much – but it is deeds that deliver and it is actions that make a real difference in my life and in the world. Maybe that’s why it says in James 2:14-26,

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? . . . In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. . . . Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. . . . As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”

So when I go to vote, I am going to have to ask myself, which is more important to me, the offense of the President’s tweets or the benefits of his actions? In other words, (pun intended) his words or his deeds? What he says doesn’t impact my daily life but what he does will impact my ability to earn a living and to live my life in a safe and peaceful society.  

Words may take the form of a promise or a threat. They either hold out hope or fill me with fear. What someone says can affect my thoughts and my feelings for awhile. But ultimately, without accompanying actions the words become just empty promises or idle threats. Apart from deeds, words eventually lose their power, becoming empty, hollow, meaningless sounds. Words have no impact apart from any accompanying actions.

The boyfriend who tells me how much he loves me all day long but never does a kind or caring thing will soon lose his credibility with me.

Fine speech and fancy rhetoric are very persuasive, engaging my feelings and emotions. Still I remember what Jesus taught in Matthew 7:15-20, when He said,

“Watch out for false prophets. . . . By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. . . . Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

I guess I should be paying attention to the fruit (deeds) as I struggle with what or who will best preserve our God given right to life, liberty, and the opportunity to pursue our dreams. Words or deeds? That is the question.

sincerely, Grace Day