Scripture for Today: I Peter 2:2-3 “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

A pacifier can be a life saver when trying to calm a fussy baby.  It is a poor substitute for the milk they need, but somehow that sucking action is soothing.  There is lots of controversy regarding the advisability of using one.  But all I know is that a frenzied harried parent is just so thankful to silence those frustrated (though satiated) cries.  None of my three children would ever take it although I repeatedly tried giving them one.  They stubbornly held out for the real thing.

Our verse for today describes the craving a newborn feels for milk.  Especially in the beginning of life, feeding seems to be constant and around the clock.  The newborn is busy growing and changing in those first few weeks, needing to be steadily supplied.  We are to crave spiritual milk in much the same way.  It is only in feeding on God’s Word that we can change and grow.

Spiritual pacifiers are also out there.  We can choose to calm ourselves down and be soothed by a number of different things.  They can be good in themselves and really be effective.  I love to sit and be soothed by certain types of music, for example.  The problem comes in preferring the pacifier to the milk.  I may be distracted from my need, so that in fact it can remain unmet.  But after tasting how good the Lord is, the pacifier leaves much to be desired!  Nothing can completely satisfy my spiritual longings but the Lord who created me for Him.

Lord, keep me craving only You!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 33:4 “For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.”

This gesture is a common one in North America among scouts.  Before a girl or boy can become a scout a pledge must be voiced.  “On my honor I promise to do my best….”  Following are three praiseworthy statements regarding duty, helpfulness and obedience.  The principles written in the scout’s honor pledge are lofty and difficult to consistently follow.  It is interesting to have the disclaimer as part of the pledge…”to do my best.”  There is resolve and commitment but a recognition as well that one cannot perfectly fulfill this pledge.

Our verse for today is a wonderful assurance that everything God says is right and true.  He is faithful to His Word and there is no need for any disclaimer!  He never says, “I will try to do my best,” or “I will do the best I can.”  He is powerful enough to make all His words become a reality.  If He says something will happen, then it will.  We never have to wonder whether He will go back on His Word.  We never have to wonder if what He says is right.  His purpose statements are not just good intentions but unshakeable truth.

I can and do build my life on His Word, being that it is rock solid truth.  He will always perfectly fulfill His pledge to me.  His Word is not only faithful and true but powerful beyond comprehension!  After all, it was by His Word that the heavens were made! (verse 6)

In a world where words are cheap and promises are broken, how amazing it is to be able to count on everything He says!  And what He says is so good and loving!

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:12-13a “Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist….”

Part of air travel means listening to the list of safety procedures.  I know it is important but I cannot help but smile inside every time a seat belt buckle is explained!  It just seems a bit too obvious!

At the last cabin check before take-off, the flight attendant with whom my husband had been teasing came by saying, “Your seat belt is buckled, Mam?  You Sir, can undo yours!”  Thankfully, this particular flight had very little turbulence but as advised, we kept it buckled.

Our verse for today describes the very first item of the armor of God.  The context tells us that the believer is in a spiritual warfare needing spiritual armor.  Without it, we cannot stand firm in the face of evil.  We stand our ground first with the Truth.  Like a seat belt well buckled, the truth keeps us stable in the event of turbulence.  The day of evil turbulence will certainly come and usually without any warning.  That belt needs to be in place and buckled at all times!

The enemy plants doubt in our thinking and as with Eve, asks if God really did say what He did.  The only way to combat destabilizing doubt is to know, love and meditate on God’s Truth in His Word.  Being convinced of the Truth allows us to stand our ground and not be moved, no matter how violent the turbulence.

Will this be a day of evil turbulence?  Lord, keep me firmly buckled in with the Truth!