What a gift it is to breathe. Taking a deep breath of mountain air while driving a convertible with the top down has to be at the top of my list of things I want to do in my life.
I talked with a friend who struggles with asthma and when she has an episode all she can think of is taking a good breath. She says it is frightening to say the least. Many times she has ended up in the hospital needing medical assistance just to help her breathe in and breathe out.
Life can be like an asthma attack at times. It punches us in the gut leaving us gasping for air. What do we do when this happens? Get help with our breathing–by reading the Bible. Nothing helps us gain fresh perspective on the difficulties we face like God’s Word.
How is your journey on the ancient road going so far this year? Are you breathing in God’s mercy and breathing out His grace? Spend some time worshiping God for all He has accomplished for you through His Word.
We are at the halfway mark, and it is perfect time to be encouraged on our journey. If you are behind, you will find fresh encouragement. If you are bored, you will find fresh motivation. If you are current, you will find fresh inspiration. It is a longer post than usual, but it is too good to share only a portion. Grab a cup of coffee and tea and let the wisdom of this godly man speak to your heart this morning.
Encouragement for us from James Smith, 1860
One likes company sometimes on a journey. For, though a solitary walk is very pleasant when we are in a musing or a praying mood — yet, when we have far to go, our spirits are apt to sink, unless we have someone to converse with. In good company, the distance does not seem half so long, nor the road half so bad. Indeed, if I were allowed to choose, I would like to have four things in every journey I take. I would like . . .
a good road,
beautiful prospects,
excellent company, and
suitable accommodations at the end of it.
Well, the traveler to Mount Zion — whatever may be said by some to the contrary — has all these. Reader, are you going to the Heavenly Jerusalem, to see and inhabit the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God? If so, let us talk together for a few minutes upon these points; it may cheer, or refresh, or stimulate us on our journey. We are but pilgrims and sojourners here, and therefore should daily make progress on our upward journey.
Photo Credit: Urban Music
1. We have a GOOD ROAD. It is God’s highway, cut and made on purpose for Zion’s pilgrims. Here is a beautiful path, called the way of holiness. This way is solid, clean, and pleasant; raising us above the marshes and swamps around us. This way is plainly marked out in God’s holy Word. The Lord Jesus in his person, mediation, finished work, and bright example — constitutes this way. He spans the whole distance between earth and Heaven — and safely carries all and every one there who ventures upon him.
As the traveler commits himself to his path, that he may arrive at the place he desires, and passes along the same path to the end; just so must we commit ourselves to Christ, walk in Christ, depending alone on Christ, until we enter Heaven. We must rest on nothing but Christ. We must trust to nothing but Christ. Our whole weight must be on him; he alone must be the path between us and our Father’s house. Christ in his person — Christ in his mediation — Christ in his perfect work — and Christ in his beautiful example — is the only way . . .
from wrath — to love,
from curse — to blessing,
from guilt — to grace,
from earth — to Heaven.
And this is a good road — solid, settled, and level. Once on it, we have never to leave it; for it is the straight, safe, direct, and only available way to Heaven. Let us therefore, admire the road while we travel it, and travel it while we admire it, until we arrive at the end of it. We walk by faith, and the end of our faith is the salvation of the soul.
Photo Credit: Wunderground.com
2. We have BEAUTIFUL PROSPECTS. In the distance, we see the everlasting hills, on which the sun never sets. Occasionally we catch a glimpse of the city of the great king, with its jasper walls, twelve foundations, and gates of pearl. Now and then, the eye rests on the pure river of the water of life, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb, gliding along like a golden stream of molten silver; making glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
In the purest, clearest light, we can at times, read our pardon, written in large letters of crimson — and our title to the mansions in the skies. All along the road we see the waving palm trees, the lofty cedars, green fir-trees, fragrant myrtles, and the many-colored flowers of Paradise. Such views we have at times, as almost ravish us, and make us long to pass over Jordan, and possess the promised land. But of all sights, none are to be compared to that of the king of glory, who at times manifests himself unto us as he does not unto the world. And when this is the case, we are fired with holy longing to see the king in all his beauty, as beheld in the land which is very far off! O the sweet glimpses, the precious foretastes of glory, the bright prospects we sometimes enjoy!
Photo Credit: Jenna Quinn
3. We also have EXCELLENT COMPANY. The very best company. We walk with God. We have fellowship with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are attended with an innumerable company of angels, who are sent forth to minister to the heirs of salvation. Here on this road, we constantly overtake, or are overtaken by the saints, who are the excellent of the earth. Every choice spirit, every holy soul, every heir of glory — travels this road. And what makes our company so excellent, is, that every traveler has the Spirit of Christ, is a son of God, and knows God.
O how pleasant it is as we pass along — to converse of . . .
the person of the king,
the nature of his government,
the glories of his kingdom, and
of what he has done for all those who believe on his name!
And how sweet it is at times to talk of the work of the Holy Spirit within us . . .
convincing of sin,
revealing the Savior,
applying the blood,
bringing home the promises,
bearing witness to our adoption, and
sealing our souls unto the day of redemption.
How swiftly and sweetly the time passes away, while thus engaged. At such times we could pity princes on their thrones, and despise all the gold and grandeur of the present world!
Photo Credit: Verse A Day
4. We shall have SUPERIOR ACCOMMODATION at the end. In our Father’s house there are many mansions, and Jesus is gone to prepare a place for us. He knows well what will suit us, what will satisfy us. We shall find everything ready for our reception when we arrive there. Every power will find employment, every faculty enjoyment, and we shall be filled with delight and joy.
If we arrive at home weary — we shall find rest;
if sick — we shall find health;
if hungry — we shall find food;
if thirsty — we shall find drink;
if sorrowful — we shall obtain joy and gladness.
Soon, oh how soon! shall we forget . . .
all the wants and woes,
all the cares and crosses,
all the troubles and trials,
all the darkness and the gloom,
all the sadness and the sorrow,
which we have experienced in the wilderness.
Heaven! Oh, what will Heaven be!
Paradise! Oh, what will it be to be there!
The palace of the great King! What will it be to have dwelling places fitted up for us there! No tongue can tell. No heart can guess. Only God, and those who have safely arrived there can say.
Well, fellow-travelers, let us take heart!
We are on a good road. There could not be a better road. It is harder than adamant, and firmer than rock. It is plain and straight. It is free and level. No tolls are exacted, no thieves prowl thereon. Safety, everlasting safety, is found on this road.
We have beautiful prospects. What sights we have seen already — and we shall see greater things than these.
There are clearer and brighter skies than we have ever seen.
There are sweeter, greener fields than we have ever looked upon.
There are lovelier and more fragrant flowers than ever met our eyes.
There are more striking landscapes than we have ever gazed upon.
In the land of Beulah, on the banks of the river of life . . .
what sights we shall see,
what sounds we shall hear,
what pleasures we shall taste.
Let us, therefore, press on with vigor and determined courage.
We have also excellent company. True, all are not alike — but all are more or less good. Every pearl is not of the same size, every diamond is not of the same quality, all gold is not alike fine — but all is precious, all is valuable. Just so with the saints, as one star differs from another star in glory, so does one saint differ from another in excellence; and yet all are glorious and excellent.
But the end! The glorious end! What shall we meet with — what shall we see — what shall we hear — what shall we taste — what shall we feel — what shall wereceive — what shall we possess, at the end?
The end crowns the whole.
We shall see God.
We shall be like Jesus.
We shall be surrounded by the saints.
We shall be attended by the angels.
We shall feel ourselves at home in Heaven.
There will be . . .
no more doubts or fears;
no more sins or sorrows;
no more disappointments or vexations — but
all will be safety, perfection, and glorious forever.
Reader, are you traveling to Mount Zion? Have you left the City of Destruction? Have you passed through the strait gate? Are you in the road to glory? Are you in Christ, who himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no man comes unto the Father — but by me.” There is no way . . .
from sin to holiness,
from wrath to mercy,
from Hell to Heaven
— but the Lord Jesus Christ.
I’ve just returned from a road trip to Atlanta to help my daughter move to a new house. I was surprised to see how many animals were lying dead by the road. I saw deer, armadillos, rabbits, possums and raccoons. It seemed to me more than the usual amount of road kill. Why? Then, the Lord began to speak to me an encouragement for us all.
Traveling Route 66 is a lot like any other highway; speeding is prevalent, traffic can be heavy and weariness can settle in. But it’s the little animals which jump out unexpectedly that can do the most damage. As you’re traveling through God’s Word, be sure to keep your eyes alert to the dangers lurking just out of sight. These animals are like distractions which come from no where and cause you to swerve to the right or the left. Usually the car isn’t damaged greatly, but it leaves the driver shaken up and disoriented. How do you continue on the path marked out for you avoiding such accidents? The best preventive is to know the dangers are there and watch for them. Practically these can be: Mood Swings, Depression, Discouragement, Lethargy, Apathy or even Cynicism. As you’re reading the Bible pay attention to the reaction your flesh is having to the Truth. You may not even be comprehending the verses you’re reading, yet the enemy is lurking hoping the throw you off course.
In driver’s ed class we were taught to never swerve to miss an animal for this is when the worst accidents occur. It is best to keep your hand on the wheel and drive straight ahead. Yes, the animal will most likely be killed, but you will be spared allowing your journey to continue. Your car may have many dents, but this is part of the journey, and gives us a story to share with others when they’re struggling in a similar way.
So, today if you don’t feel like reading your daily portion of Scripture–do it anyway. It is best to keep our hands on the wheel and drive forward no matter what gets in the way. Road kill happens, but how you handle it makes all the difference.
J.C. Ryle offers this essay on Fighting The Unholy Trinity. How fitting that this arrived in my inbox this morning.
Billboards are purposeful. They are placed in strategic spots along the road in order to capture your attention. Many travelers choose to ignore them. But there are those who want to see everything the road trip has to offer, so they not only notice the billboards, but they take note of all the information advertised.
Think of today’s post as a Billboard of Truth. You could choose to pass it by, but you may miss something God has for you on your travels today. It isn’t long–10 minutes, but what he shares may change the way you travel from here on out.
Narratives can be a powerful tool to help us look at our difficulty from a different perspective. In this video, Winston Smith of CCEF, shares how a narrative from C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia helped him in his fight against anxiety and depression when he was in college. Take time to listen to this video and see if you aren’t encouraged as I was. The Bible is God’s narrative to us. What a gift when God’s opens the Word to us like Christ did with two of his disciples on the Road to Emmaus.
Have you ever been driving down the road completely oblivious to your speed when suddenly you happen upon one of the speed detector machines kindly provided by the local Sheriff’s Office? Your speed flashes on the screen in bright white lights indicating you’re going too fast. By instinct you hit the brakes and slow down to the permitted speed hoping you don’t get a ticket for your offense.
We can do this in our daily Bible reading.
We have a plan. We’re making progress. We’re “getting it done,” as they say. But what does this profit us? Nothing. Speeding on the road is dangerous and speeding through God’s Word can be just as dangerous!
How, you ask?
Skimming God’s Word can give us the false impression that we’re doing good in regards to our goals. But if we aren’t taking time to meditate on what we’re reading then we are deceived into thinking we’re doing better than we are.
The Lord has purposed to slow me down this year by having me read one book of the New Testament for an entire month. Each morning I get up and read the same verses, day after day. I am tempted to skim. I have skimmed. I have even skipped a few mornings here and there thinking – it’s okay…I’ll read the same thing tomorrow. <sigh>
But when I do this I’m missing the point of the slower pace. Not only is it safer to drive the marked speed limit, but it enables us to see things we would otherwise miss.
So, may I encourage you to check your speed. If you’re flying over the speed limit then, for your own sake slow down. This isn’t a race to the finish line. It’s a daily discipline to help us know the One with whom we’re traveling, and He loves to makes Himself known to us. But we have to watch for Him and listen to Him.
I love turnovers of all kinds, but this week I especially like when my car “turns over” and actually starts. How many times have you put your key in your ignition and turned the switch only to hear, ruh-ruh, ruh-ruh, ruh-ruh! It’s not a fun moment. This happened to me on Monday. I ended up having my car towed because the choke was broken and needed to be fixed. I had to change my plans. I ended up staying home more than I normally would because I had no means of transportation. I was able to get my Christmas decorations taken down and put away. I got caught up on my writing after a long holiday break. The fact that my car wouldn’t turn over ended up being a good thing for me. I slowed down and took inventory of what needed to be done right here, right now.
Compare this to traveling Route 66. I begin the year with a goal in mind. I start my car and down the road I go at a speed I determined. Until one morning I awake and the words on the page are a blur. Reading at my normal pace is difficult. My thoughts are drawn to everything BUT the Word of God. It is as if my car won’t turn over. I’m stuck! What do I do? Slow down and ask God what He is after in the obvious break down. We often think when our car won’t start that it messes up our plan. But the truth is, God’s plan is never thwarted. He is with us when our cars won’t turn over, and He is with us when His Word is a blur to us. All we must do is ask for His help to get towed through these types of days. There is something of good in the process whether we recognize it or not.
The point is are we on this journey to see if we can finish? Or are we on this journey because we want to spend the time with God? If it’s the former – there will be many frustrating days ahead. If it’s the latter, be encouraged to know He is with you when your car stalls and when your car moves at full speed.
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20b ESV
“Unbelief is one of the commonest spiritual diseases in these latter days. It meets us at every turn, and in every company. Like the Egyptian plague of frogs, it makes its way into every family and home, and there seems no keeping it out. Among high and low, and rich and poor, in town and in country, in universities and manufacturing towns, in castles and in cottages, you will continually find some form of unbelief. It is no longer a pestilence which walks in darkness, but a destruction which wastes at noonday. Unbelief is even thought clever and intellectual, and a mark of a thoughtful mind. Society seems leavened with it. He who avows his belief of everything contained in the Bible, must make up his mind in many companies to be smiled at contemptuously, and thought an ignorant and weak man.” – J.C. Ryle
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17
As you consider what the Lord would have you read in 2012 be sure you are listening to the right voice. We have a sure enemy who would love nothing more than to keep you from growing in faith. Listen to the Holy Spirit, He gently leads His own in faith, not unbelief! As you consider, watch this beautiful video of Jeremy Camp’s song, I Still Believe. Once you’ve decided to join our group for next year, simply send an e-mail to debiwalter AT gmail DOT com, and let us know what reading plan your going to follow. We look forward to hearing from you!
(1) For one thing, begin reading your Bible this very day. The way to do a thing–is to do it; and the way to read the Bible–is actually to read it! It is not merely meaning, or wishing, orresolving, or intending, or thinking about it–which will advance you one step. You must positively read. There is no royal road in this matter, any more than in the matter of prayer. If you cannot read yourself, you must persuade somebody else to read it to you. But one way or another, through eyes or ears–the words of Scripture must actually pass before your mind.
(2) For another thing, read the Bible with an earnest desire to understand it. Do not think for a moment, that the great object is to turn over a certain quantity of printed paper, and that it matters nothing whether you understand it or not. Some ignorant people seem to imagine, that all is done if they advance so many chapters every day, though they may not have a notion what they are all about, and only know that they have pushed on their bookmark ahead so many pages. This is turning Bible reading into a mere ritual form. It is almost as bad as the Popish habit of ‘buying indulgences’–by saying an astounding number of ‘Ave-Marias’ and ‘Pater-nosters’ (Hail-Mary’s and Our-Father’s–on their ‘rosary beads’.) It reminds one of the poor Hottentot who ate up a Dutch hymn-book because he saw it comforted his neighbors’ hearts! Settle it down in your mind as a general principle, that a Bible not understood–is a Bible that does no good! Say to yourself often as you read, “What is this all about?” Dig for the meaning like a man digging for gold.
(3) For another thing, read the Bible with child-like faith and humility. Open your heart–as you open God’s book, and say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening!” Resolve to believe implicitly whatever you find there, however much it may run counter to your own desires and prejudices. Resolve to receive heartily every statement of truth–whether you like it or not. Beware of that miserable habit into which some readers of the Bible fall–they receive some doctrines because they like them; and they reject others because they are condemning to themselves, or to some relation, or friend. At this rate, the Bible is useless! Are we to be judges of what ought to be in God’s Word? Do we know better than God? Settle it down in your mind–that you will receiveall and believe all, and that what you cannot understand–you will take on trust. Remember, when you pray–that you are speaking to God, and God hears you. But, remember, when you read Scripture–that God is speaking to you, and you are not to “dictate,” but to listen!
(4) For another thing, read the Bible in a spirit of obedience and self-application. Sit down to the study of it with a daily determination that you will . . .
live by its rules,
rest on its statements,
and act on its commands.
Consider, as you travel through every chapter, “How does this affect my thinking and daily conduct? What does this teach me?” It is poor work to read the Bible from mere curiosity, and for speculative purposes–in order to fill your head and store your mind with mere opinions; while you do not allow the book to influence your heart and life. That Bible is read best–which ispracticed most!
(5) For another thing, read the Bible daily. Make it a part of every day’s business to read and meditate on some portion of God’s Word. Private means of grace are just as needful every day for our souls–as food and clothing are for our bodies. Yesterday’s food will not feed the laborer today; and today’s food will not feed the laborer tomorrow. Do as the Israelites did in the wilderness. Gather your manna fresh every morning. Choose your own seasons and hours. Do not scramble over and hurry your reading. Give your Bible the best, and not the worst part of your time! But whatever plan you pursue, let it be a rule of your life to visit the throne of grace and God’s Word every day.
(6) For another thing, read all of the Bible–and read it in an orderly way. I fear there are many parts of the Word which some people never read at all. This is to say at the least, a very presumptuous habit. “All Scripture is profitable.” (2 Timothy 3:16.) To this habit may be traced that lack of well-proportioned views of truth, which is so common in this day. Some people’s Bible-reading is a system of perpetual ‘dipping and picking’. They do not seem to have an idea of regularly going through the whole book.
This also is a great mistake. No doubt in times of sickness and affliction, it is allowable to search out seasonable portions. But with this exception, I believe it is by far the best plan to begin the Old and New Testaments at the same time–to read each straight through to the end, and then begin again. This is a matter in which every one must be persuaded in his own mind. I can only say it has been my own plan for nearly forty years, and I have never seen cause to alter it.
(7) For another thing, read the Bible fairly and honestly. Determine to take everything in its plain, obvious meaning–and regard all forced interpretations with great suspicion. As a general rule, whatever a verse of the Bible seems to mean–it does mean! Cecil’s rule is a very valuable one, “The right way of interpreting Scripture is to take it as we find it, without any attempt to force it into any particular theological system.”
(8) In the last place, read the Bible with Christ continually in view. The grand primary object of all Scripture, is to testify of Jesus! Old Testament ceremonies are shadows of Christ. Old Testament deliverers are types of Christ. Old Testament prophecies are full of Christ’s sufferings, and of Christ’s glory yet to come.
The first coming and the second;
the Lord’s humiliation and His glorious kingdom;
His cross and the crown—
shine forth everywhere in the Bible. Keep fast hold on this clue, if you would read the Bible aright!
I might easily add to these hints, if space permitted. Few and short as they are–you will find them most profitable when implemented.
It is nearing the end of October, and it is time to check in. How is your journey so far? For me it has been one crazy, hectic year. I’m sure you’ve noticed by my lack of posts and encouragements. I’m sorry – really I am. But my confidence is not in my ability to encourage you to continue, but in God who is the One who motivated you on this journey in the first place. I have prayed regularly for each of you that He would help you complete the journey this year. But even if you haven’t, there is a lifetime to grow and learn and glean from God’s Word.
Tom and I recently took Bradley and Norah on a train ride through northern GA into TN. It was a fun and beautiful trip. The picture above shows one of the RR crossings we passed along the way. It made me think of reading God’s Word. If our time with God is the train and the roads we pass our circumstances in life, how appropriate that we stop our circumstances, no matter what we are to make room for our time with God. Do you obey the RR crossing signs or do you ignore them? As there is wisdom in the car stopping for the train, there is wisdom in choosing to stop long enough to allow God’s Word to penetrate our time and attention.
I hear a train whistle blowing. Make plans to seek it out and enjoy the ride!
I recently enjoyed the following video. It is worth your time, and I pray it will inspire you as it did me.
Is there an echo? I believe there is. I feel as though my journey has led me into a deep canyon where I feel isolated and alone. As I write this post, I’m calling out to see if there are any voices other than my own returning echo. Please speak to show there is!
It has been a difficult three months for me, but God has helped me stay on track in my Chronological reading of the Bible. I have fallen behind a few days here and there, but He has always helped me catch up before too many chapters got ahead of me.
I miss you all, but I’ve continued to pray for you in my quiet times. Have you sensed the Lord’s help on your journey? Are you finding great hope and comfort from His Word? Are you still amazed at the privilege we have to read His Story as He wrote it for our ears, in this time and this season? I am at times, yet many times I forget. God continues to lead me forward through His Word. He wants me to know Him in a way only His Word reveals. What a gift!
So…
I may hear my echo reverberating across the wide canyon of my feelings, but I know you are all traveling this road with me. We will gather together at the end of 2011 and recount all our stories for His glory. Please tell me you’ll still be there. It is a great comfort to me to know it is true, but more than this – is the Truth that He will never leave me alone in the canyons of my soul. He is with me and will be with me still. AND He will be with YOU!
If you have the time, please send a quick reply and let me know how you’re doing. I’ve missed your voice along the way.
Route 66 Club 