The Pilgrim Path---Isaiah 40: 3 – 5 (1—6—23)

A voice cries:

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

“…PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD”

The end of a year---and the beginning of another---has me scrambling! I have tax paperwork to settle---issues to arrange for the coming year---and of course, regular work. This is when it is critical to “STOP” and go to the Word of God. Our hearts and lives are either very much like a wilderness (dry and windblown) or overcome with too many weeds at any given time. Such is the nature of the flesh. We must STOP:

---S---Scripture is important / spend time in it. As our friend Ralph Davis says, “even 5 – 7 minutes of quiet reflection is a grand start.” Spend time in Scripture.

---T---Take the Word as a GIFT of necessity: we must have it---It is Life! Take time to take in ---the Word of God.

---O---Order my steps in your Word---this was King David’s attitude---it must be ours as well! Order your schedule to “listen” to God’s Word.

---P---Pray throughout your reading---for a hearing heart. Sometimes we encounter topics that seem contrary to our nature: “It is better to give---than to receive” or, “Forgive---as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.” This is when we comply with the Holy Spirit---not resist HIM…

An additional way to add fabric to your faith ---is to be where the Word is taught and expounded---as often as you are able (this is our heritage in the Reformed Tradition).

Grace & Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason