Saturday, February 25, 2012

Sacred Echo – the Black Watch tartan


This morning, my husband reminded me of a wonderful affirmation from God. 
The story:  

I had a glorious opportunity to be able to ‘hang out’ and walk with, and have devotions with renowned author and speaker, Margaret Feinberg while hiking 50 miles in the Scottish Highlands.  The trip would be a trip of a lifetime.  It came together for my husband, a Scotsman by heritage, to come along and be one of the drivers that would take our luggage to each nightly destination.  I would hike with Margaret and 5 other ladies from all parts of the nation. 

My trip had another purpose for me as well.  I was on a prayer mission and warring against cancer.  Every step I would take would be a tribute to my friends who were battling cancer, and for my friend who had recently passed away from her heroic battle, and for my son Johnny, who had fought valiantly in his fight against lymphoma.  I carried in my backpack, a signed handkerchief with all their names and their favorite scripture verses, to remember to pray for each one who was still struggling for their lives against this dreadful disease.

After the 3-day trek across the highlands with my beloved companions and our devoted drivers, we visited the Royal Mile and toured Edinburgh for several days.  Many memorable and cherished moments were spent together as a ‘group’ and then alone with my dear husband Louie. 
The trip for us was nearing an end and still we hadn’t found the gift Louie wanted to buy for me.  I wanted a Black Watch tartan shawl – the colors are a darkish blend of black, blue, and green.  I would use it for warmth in the morning to wrap around my shoulders while having my devotions with the Lord. 

We finally found the perfect tartan shawl!  It was beautiful Merlino lambswool, soft and warm – exquisite.
It was only later that we learned the significance of the  ‘Black Watch’ tartan pattern worn by a regiment of Scottish highlanders.  They were actually infantryman or FOOT soldiers of the highlands!  Foot soldier!  50-mile hike in the highlands!  That’s me Lord!

Warring spiritually with every step I took on this journey, this was an affirming ‘sacred echo’ from the Lord; that He was with me and has heard my cry for my friends in the fight against cancer!  I am an official ‘foot soldier’ and prayer warrior in the service of the Lord!  I have the foot soldier tartan!

Whether it’s the highlands of Scotland or the streets and high hills of Carson City, or wherever it may be, may God continue to give me grace and strength to fulfill what He has called me to do for the glory of ‘His Great Name’. 
In Jesus Name, A-men.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

A Place for Everyone

Scripture
Numbers 10:29-32
Then Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law, "We are setting out to the place of which the Lord said, 'I will give it to you'; come with us and we will do you good, for the Lord has promised good concerning Israel."  But he said to him, "I will not come, but rather will go to my own land and relatives."  Then he said, "Please do not leave us, inasmuch as you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you will be as eyes for us.  So it will be, if you go with us, that whatever good the Lord does for us, we will do for you."  This they set out from the mount of the Lord . . . 


Observation
Moses invites 'family' to come with him to the promised land.  He assures Hobab 'it will be good.'  But Hobab declines Moses' invitation and says he will go home to his own land and relatives - to the familiar, the comfortable safe place he calls 'home'.  But Moses doesn't give up!  He pleads with Hobab to 'come with us - you know all about the wilderness and you will be a help to us!  You have a place with us Hobab!   Come on Hobab, you won't regret it; whatever good the Lord does, we will do for you!'  So they go together . . . 


Application
Oh the blessed assurance of knowing Jesus is leading us and loves us so much!  He says, 'Come, and follow me' - but we must not forget to invite our family and friends!  Go and tell them about Jesus, share with them about the goodness of God!  There's a place for everyone!  God has a plan and a future for each one, a life with purpose!  So, reach out to those hesitant to come, and keep asking! 


Prayer
Father, what a great reminder to invite our unsaved family and friends to come join us in our walk with You.  Adventure, blessings, and promises, with a good eternal outcome awaits all those who come to Jesus!  There's a place for everyone in the family of God!