Night Candle Meditations

The crosstalk concerning current news reports subsided as I paused beside the circle of somber faces. Without hesitation the question was asked, "Terry, are you worried about this new Omicron virus?" "That depends on where I choose to dwell." My response caught the attention of the group, pulling forth words of one voicing likely thoughts of all, "What do you mean by that?" "'He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.' If you haven't read it lately, then I suggest you read the ninety-first chapter of Psalms. It may offer you a hopeful perspective as you listen to the news. We can discuss this later if you are interested, but I am on my way to see someone now." My words were ready because I had just been reading Psalm 91 in contemplation of our world's continuing battle with covid viruses. Despite the reassurance of the Psalmist's words, there is sadness in knowing ...

"You will not be disappointed if you do not have high expectations of others." These were words of counsel from a coworker after our observing the performance of someone I had recently trained to take over a position on the industry floor. I wondered how other workers would respond if the change affected routine in their areas. It is common that jobs or tasks require specific procedures to achieve completion. Sometimes simple basic tasks can be the most challenging for individuals spurning direction and guidance because they perceive previous qualification. Such individuals usually do only the minimum to retain a position. What they often fail to perceive are the expectations of others regarding what constitutes completion of a task. While thinking about this I have wondered about the spiritual application and what God may expect from us. God may set truth before the eyes but if rejected, a person is never forced to accept the truth. In like manner one may show another th...

The mass of people confirmed that someone of great importance was in town. She leaned against a shadowed wall at the outer edge of the crowd, trying to see the man everyone was talking about. With determined effort she resisted the need to return inside and lie down, knowing this day in the sunshine could be her last. The doctors had given up all hope, but it didn't matter since the last treatment had depleted her savings. There was movement as people parted, making way for a local church leader. There! Through the opening crowd she saw the man everyone wanted to see. The church leader spoke with him and they began to walk. She thought about the potential of this man's power. Seizing the opportunity, she lunged forward as the two men passed and touched the edge of a garment. The effect was immediate! The story of this woman's healing may be found in Mark 5:21-34. She believed the stories told about the touch of Jesus on people's lives. Many of these accounts were of...