Night Candle Meditations

"There's a storm across the valley, clouds are rolling in---the afternoon is heavy on the shoulders." The lyrics of John Denver continue with reflections of the little things that make a house a home. But now, more than just an afternoon lies heavy on the shoulders as tragic events multiply and accumulate on the horizons of our future. Is it possible that beyond those horizons there will be a return of the little things that enable us to say, "It's good to be back home again"? Selfishness is the root of greed, corruption, and violence that envelop society. Though grossly evident on our streets, these evils also lurk and linger in the chambers of government and justice. As social pillars crumble, fear takes hold as people seek peace and security. I have found solace in Psalm 37 as insight and guide to survival amidst surrounding evil. This chapter is a fitting portrayal of the conflict between good and evil in our own lives as well as the world around us. ...

Over the past forty years I have watched as many men leave the confines of prison upon completion of their sentences. It has been discouraging and painful to see a significant number of them return manifesting the same character they had during their years of previous confinement. In speaking with men about their release plans and priorities to effect life changes, most of them put employment at top of list. Despite character references being asked for on many employment applications, not one person has yet mentioned the repair or rebuilding of their own character. Character reformation begins with a desire for change, but that desire must become action. Some may think change is impossible in a negative environment. This may be true for those who choose to wallow in the mire, but those who look upward are able to see light in the surrounding darkness. New thought processes and formation of new habits are key to rebuilding character that has been stained by an undisciplined life. ...

Famine looms on the horizon as inflation and costs for goods and services soar. Many attribute these factors to poor planning and bad decisions by the American government's current administration. They in turn point fingers of blame elsewhere including Russia and the war in Ukraine. It does not matter who or what is to blame, the consequences affect everyone. Within the pages of Scripture the prophet Joel looks to the future as he speaks of wasted fields and land that mourns for what is not there, for even the oil fails. It is a time of want and need as famine is evident to all. (see Joel 1:10-12,17,18). There are many who clamor and cry for relief and sustenance to support the lifestyles to which they are accustomed, but there are others choosing instead to trust God's promises. "The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore" Psalm 121:7,8...