Scripture for Today: Ephesians 5:15 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise.”

I am not a fan of crabs.  Their pincers make me a bit nervous and their appearance is a bit off-putting.  But one of their behaviors always brings a smile; their ability to walk sideways.  In trying to avoid them, this unusual behavior makes me unsure of which way to go to get out of their way!  Perhaps they are confused too, not knowing whether they are coming or going!  The fact that their joints bend outwards rather than forwards makes for this bizarre gait.  They can shuffle forwards but sideways allows for more speed and efficiency.  They can quickly dip into a hole or crevice and escape a predator.

Our verse for today reminds us to walk with care.  As believers we are to walk with wisdom.  Perhaps walking wisely can look like a sideways gait to some.  Our walk is to be different than those around us who are walking foolishly, outside of God’s will.  The context tells us to wake up and make the most of every opportunity.  This passage goes on to cite the particulars of this different walk: being filled with His Spirit, speaking differently, singing, making music and being thankful.  Walking in this way is walking in a direction that is different and distinctive!

The subtle influence of those walking around us can affect our walk.  Who wants to be seen walking sideways?  It looks like we are going nowhere.  We are not walking towards worldly values or recognition.  Instead, we are walking towards the commendation of the Master, hoping to hear one day, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”

Lord, keep me from blindly following the walk of those around me.  Make me wise, walking Your way today.

Scripture for Today: John 4:13-14 “Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'”

One does not see too many water towers these days.  The one pictured here in Colmar, France is a great landmark for getting one’s bearings.  But it has not been used since 1984.  I think it is one of the prettiest ones and in fact, it is the oldest one in our region of Alsace, France.  Its German neo-Gothic style has been part of the landscape since 1886.  It stands 53 meters high and can hold up to 1200m3 of water.  The French nickname these structures “château d’eau” or “water castle.”

These water towers are basically an elevated tank of water.  Their height helps to provide pressure and their water storage helps with insuring adequate water during peak usage.

Our verse for today comes from the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.  Jesus is revealing Himself to her as the source of Living Water.  Any other source of water will not satisfy.  Only Jesus can satisfy the thirst coming from our soul.  He uses the image of water as it is such a necessity to life.  And just as one cannot live without water, so we cannot have true life or eternal life without Him.

Unlike a water tower that stores water in the event of a shortage, the water of life never runs dry.  That is because the source flows from the throne of God and the Lamb (Rev. 22:1).  His love not only completely satiates me but is a free gift!

I praise You Lord, for quenching my thirst forever!

Scripture for Today: Revelation 3:12  “The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.  Never again will they leave it.  I will write on them the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem……and I will also write on them My new name.”

Today marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day.  On this day, roughly 160,000 Allied soldiers landed on the Normandy beaches of France in 1944.  The cost in loss of life was high, but the stakes were high as well.  This important day marked the beginning of the end of German occupation in France.

The sandy beaches of the region sometimes turn up the dog tags worn by fallen soldiers.  Touching stories relate the return of some of them to veterans and their families.  These dog tags are more than just an heirloom or a piece of war memorabilia.  They are a piece of family history giving new insights into the past.  On that tag was marked the name, the military identification number, the blood type, and the religion of the soldier.

Our verse for today teaches that one day, believers will be “wearing” three names that will identify us.  The meaning here seems to be symbolic.  Those who are victorious and enduring to the very end will bear three names.  The name of God will show that we belong to Him forever.  The name of God’s city will show that we are citizens.  And His own new name will indicate our special relationship with Christ.

How reassuring to know that we will remain in His presence forever!  There is no way to misplace this “tag” and be lost.  Thank you Lord, for loving me enough to identify me as Your very own for all eternity!

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 13:12 “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.  Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

I would love to buy an antique mirror from France before moving.  It would be a classy remembrance of my years here but would also serve to enlarge a small living room.  The one pictured here is said to be from a French chateau in the 1800’s.  A true antique mirror will be made of mercury glass.  This would be glass blown with a double wall then silvered between the layers with a liquid silvering solution, then sealed.  Regardless of the method of fabrication, the mirror is limited in giving one a true and accurate reflection.

Our verse for today expresses this same thought.  The mirrors used in biblical times were much less accurate.  They were made of polished metal, probably bronze.  This poor reflection is an image of our very limited understanding of the Lord.  We will not truly see Him as He is until we are with Him.  It will then be a knowledge that is similar to how the Lord sees us now and knows us intimately!

One day I will see Him face to face!  What a thought!  Fanny Crosby, the renowned hymn writer, said that her consolation in being blind is that her first sight will be that of His dear face.  Will I recognize Him?  Will His face be familiar to me?  If I have listened to my heart that tells me to seek His face today (Psalm 27:8) then I will immediately know Him.

How I look forward to gazing on the wonder and splendor of His face!  Thank you Lord, for even a partial glimpse today.