When Rich and Carol were members of Zion Lutheran Church, Harvester, MO, it was the tradition of the congregation to solicit devotional thoughts from the members to be published in an "After Easter" devotional booklet distributed to all members.
Rich wrote this devotional for the booklet in April, 2014.
Rich wrote this devotional for the booklet in April, 2014.
I Love to Tell the Story
Scripture: Isaiah 40:3-5
A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord,
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Title: Every Valley Raised Up – Every Mountain Made Low
I crested the hill outside of Palmer, Alaska, and caught a glimpse of the Matanuska Glacier as it gleamed in the sunlight, but the sight didn't inspire.
Just west of Glennallen I saw Mt. Drum, Mt. Sanford and Mt. Wrangell. The snow topped peaks were brilliant against the azure blue sky, but the sight didn't inspire.
This journey to Alaska began the previous year when I stood next to the grave of my first wife of 35 years.
I set out on a quest to find peace.
That night I saw my life laid out as a series of valleys and mountains, much like I witnessed on my drive.
I relived each valley of despair, desperation, and despondency and called out in torment.
I recalled every insurmountable mountain that I built – mountains that separated me from God and my loved ones and cringed in agony.
Peace finally descended on my heart as I replayed each valley and could recount how Christ was by my side. Peace grew as I recognized the lessons of humility learned from mountains toppled by hands greater than mine.
In the morning as sun rose, my heart was warmed by the words of The Son – words of comfort and hope, words of love and forgiveness, words of acceptance – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
The rest of the journey was filled experiencing God’s love and forgiveness with each mountain and valley declaring His majesty.
I longed to return and share how God raises the valleys and topples the mountains.
Prayer: Lord, Thank You for the gift of Jesus, the one who lifts the valleys and topples the mountains. Use me, Lord, to share that Good News to those You send to me. In Jesus name, Amen.
A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord,
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Title: Every Valley Raised Up – Every Mountain Made Low
I crested the hill outside of Palmer, Alaska, and caught a glimpse of the Matanuska Glacier as it gleamed in the sunlight, but the sight didn't inspire.
Just west of Glennallen I saw Mt. Drum, Mt. Sanford and Mt. Wrangell. The snow topped peaks were brilliant against the azure blue sky, but the sight didn't inspire.
This journey to Alaska began the previous year when I stood next to the grave of my first wife of 35 years.
I set out on a quest to find peace.
That night I saw my life laid out as a series of valleys and mountains, much like I witnessed on my drive.
I relived each valley of despair, desperation, and despondency and called out in torment.
I recalled every insurmountable mountain that I built – mountains that separated me from God and my loved ones and cringed in agony.
Peace finally descended on my heart as I replayed each valley and could recount how Christ was by my side. Peace grew as I recognized the lessons of humility learned from mountains toppled by hands greater than mine.
In the morning as sun rose, my heart was warmed by the words of The Son – words of comfort and hope, words of love and forgiveness, words of acceptance – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
The rest of the journey was filled experiencing God’s love and forgiveness with each mountain and valley declaring His majesty.
I longed to return and share how God raises the valleys and topples the mountains.
Prayer: Lord, Thank You for the gift of Jesus, the one who lifts the valleys and topples the mountains. Use me, Lord, to share that Good News to those You send to me. In Jesus name, Amen.