He Who Guides the Stars

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. ... Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof? ... Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?

{ Job 38:4, 19-20, 31-33 }

Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night... The LORD is his name:

{ Amos 5:8 }

I love to gaze at the stars. The bright pinpoints God placed in the dark canopy of space absolutely thrill me. They appear so small to my finite (and astigmatistic) vision but science tells me otherwise. God is so mighty. His works confound the wisest of men. Read again the passage from Job; can you answer the magnificent questions God issued without giving Him His due credit? Are you truly capable of explaining away the Almighty God Who created the stars? You may think you have all the answers according to a particular unproven theory but God asks you, "Where wast thou?" Were you there when all this took place? God was! Amos tells us to "seek Him." What an awesome privilege it is to know the God of all creation! It is made possible through His wondrous saving grace.

As I study the constellations above me so high, my mind always meditates the beloved verses of Psalm 8, penned by David so many years ago as he gazed upon the same stars in their same unchanging courses. God has set in the heavens symbols of His enduring faithfulness! They "join with all nature in manifold witness" that "all I have needed Thy hand hath provided." Glory to God!

What you see in the photo above is not a night sky, as you might suppose at first glance. Rather, it was taken during the day while the glowing sun was causing the snow to sparkle brilliantly. (The snow was on a lower roof which is visible from an upper window of my home.) I darkened the contrast on my camera, among other things, to achieve the image above. It is a very poor example of the glorious canopy God stretched.

A Good Fatness

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

{ Isaiah 55:1-6 }

Scrumptious cherries enjoyed during a joyous picnic with dear friends. Mmm. They sure were good, juicy, and fat! Have you eaten "that which is good" and found that your soul was delighted "in fatness"? Or are you still thirsty and unsatisfied even after all your labor? This passage tells us this goodness and fatness can be received without money--in fact, that is the only way. The Lord Jesus Christ has already paid the price. The Lord's mercy is so great and His grace is so good! "Seek ye the LORD... call ye upon Him... He will abundantly pardon."

Jesus Is the Way

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

{ Matthew 7:13-14 }

The Ravines Garden is a gorgeous park located in Palatka, Florida, as you can see from this photo. A lovely stone pathway, festooned with flowers and a glorious fountain, led to this straight, narrow bridge. However, in a spiritual sense, access to the Lord's garden is offered only after crossing the Bridge. Jesus said, "I AM the Way... no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." He has bridged the chasm of sin and its wages but the choice to take the path less chosen belongs to us alone. The Bridge may appear to be "strict and confining," but let me assure you, along this Way are the greatest joys of freedom a soul can know. A fountain springing up into everlasting life. Fair flowers of forgiveness, grace, peace, lovingkindness. All spiritual riches in glory by Christ Jesus are provided if you will enter in.

The Current of God's Will

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: ... In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

{ Ephesians 1:9, 11 }

Is there not comfort in knowing that your vessel is caught by a current that emanated from the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will and is bearing you toward His heart?

{ F. B. Meyer }

Pictured here is the Arctic Ocean, rolling and thundering on a brisk, airy day this past summer. It is rarely this beautiful but usually is gray and lifeless--much like our lives can become if we are not following His will and purpose for our lives! When we abide not in His current, we can only drift without aim. Slowly departing from the Lord's presence and love, we will all to soon find ourselves hopelessly lost on life's sea. May our daily walk with the Lord Jesus be constantly within the current of His will, as strong, deep, and enduring as this glorious spirited sea... drawn ever closer to His side and blessed will.

Abide in Me, and I in You

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Abide in me, and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for

without me
ye can do nothing.

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

{ John 15:1-8 }

Abide in Me by Julia Montoro
(audio by the John Marshall Family)

I am the Vine and My Father is the Husbandman,
Ye are the branches, ye are the branches.
Abide in Me and ye shall bring forth fruit.
I am the True Vine, ye are the branches.

Abide in Me, and I in you,
Just as the branch is born and strengthened from the Root.
Abide in Me, and I in you,
So does My strength bear you and bringeth forth the fruit.

Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken,
And I have purged you, and I have purged you.
Abide in Me and ye shall bring forth more fruit.
I am the True Vine, ye are the branches.

If ye shall ask any thing it shall be done to you,
My Father is glorified, My Father is glorified.
Abide in Me and ye shall bring forth much fruit.
I am the True Vine, ye are the branches.

Here is one of my family's fruitful indoor plants which has yielded an excess of 50 cherry tomatoes. In the Arctic. To think! Thank the Lord for His blessings!

Psalms 34:6; 44:3; 103:1

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.


Neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.


Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.




Ship Ahoy by M. J. Cartwright
(click link to hear song by Darcel McCoy)

I was drifting away on life’s pitiless sea,
And the angry waves threatened my ruin to be,
When away at my side, there I dimly descried,
A stately old vessel, and loudly I cried:
“Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!”
And loudly I cried: “Ship ahoy!”

The good Captain commanded a boat to be low’red,
And with tender compassion He took me on board;
And I’m happy today, all my sins washed away
In the blood of my Savior, and now I can say:
“Bless the Lord! Bless the Lord!”
From my soul I can say: “Bless the Lord!”


O soul, sinking down ’neath sin’s merciless wave,
The strong arm of our Captain is mighty to save;
Then trust Him today, no longer delay,
Board the old ship of Zion, and shout on your way:
“Jesus saves! Jesus saves!”
Shout and sing on your way: “Jesus saves!”

(Photography notes: The boisterous Arctic Ocean last summer, and the U.S.S. Nauticus located at Norfolk, Virginia.)

When God Opens His Hand

The LORD Doth Build Up Jerusalem from Psalms, KJV
(audio by Patti Vaillant)

The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways, The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, He will fulfil the desire of them: He will hear their cry.

{ Psalms 147:2-5; 145:14, 16-19 }

{ About the photographic subject...
A peaceful lake in North Pole, Alaska, taken during a bike ride with two sweet little friends. This is one of my favorite Scripture songs. The meditation of the Word of the Lord truly maketh my heart to rejoice. What precious, never-failing promises! Our God is WELL able to meet each and every one as we abide in His will. After all, He "telleth the number of the stars" and "calleth them all by their names." Wow! What great, infinite power belongs to our Lord!
Click image for full view! }

Psalms 9:1-2, 9-10

I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. ... The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

(Photography notes: I was utterly amazed by the detail of this red moss growing in the marshy tundra soil. The bright color caught my attention from afar, but it wasn't until I studied the photos I took that I realized its beauty. Too, the LORD magnifies His worthy name by His marvelous works and in them we rejoice, but only to them that put their trust in Him and seek Him does He make Himself truly known as the soul's only refuge--and so much more.)

Isaiah 28:12a

This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest;
and this is the refreshing:

How Sweet Is My Rest by Barney E. Warren

How sweet is the comfort and rest of my soul,
Where peace doth so tranquilly flow;
Though storm-cloud and tempest and dark billows roll,
All my heart with His sunlight doth glow.

How sweet is my rest! And how richly I’m blest!
Oh, how sweet is the rest of my soul!

No fears shall alarm me though Satan be nigh,
He’s subject to Jesus’ control;
Though tempted and tried, Christ regardeth my cry,
Truly He is the joy of my soul.

My sins all are gone, oh, what rapture to know
They’re nailed to the cross where He died;
The blood doth atone and my heart doth o’erflow,
Praise the Lord for the soul-cleansing tide!

I’m saved even now, and though death soon may come,
No harm shall it bring to my soul;
For all it can do is to carry me home,
To be safe while the ages shall roll.

(Photography notes: A small white carnation of the genus dianthus.)

Exodus 15:3; Ecclesiastes 3:8

The LORD is a man of war:
the LORD is his name.

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Patriot's Honor by Matt McMorris
(click link to hear song by Stephen and Adam Russ)

We're a nation built on freedom,
But freedom isn't free;
We're a nation built on sacrifice,
A land of liberty,
And the crosses on a thousand hills
Around the world today
Are a testimony to the price
Great soldiers had to pay.

And so I'm thankful
For those who stand up for the red, white, and blue,
For those who put their lives on the line.
And I'm proud to say that I live in the U.S.A.
This is the land of the free,
This is the home of the brave,
This is the land of liberty, the U.S.A.

So as time has come and time has gone
In the land of the free,
We've had soldiers come and soldiers fall
For our right to liberty,
And so we honor them and their families
For the sacrifice they made,
'Cause now our nation stands as a citadel
For the price that they paid.

Many times these days we wave the flag
Of surrender in this land,
To devices wrought by Satan's woes
We become a yielding land,
But those that laugh at God and reject His Son
Must hear of Jesus' saving grace
So that this land we love might know the truth,
That our sins He can wash away.

And so I'm thankful
For those who stand up for the Bible and for truth,
For those who put their lives on the line.
I will stand and say, "God save the U.S.A."
This is the land of the free,
This is the home of the brave,
This is the land of liberty, the U.S.A.

(Photography notes: A costumed entertainer at the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.)

2 Corinthians 4:1-10

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

(Photography notes: Taken in North Pole, Alaska. Sitka spruce and birch trees mirrored in still water, reflected so precisly that it is difficult to discern which direction is up or down. Though troubled on every side and perplexed, do not be distressed or despair of life, "for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Our Shepherd leadeth beside still waters.)

Psalms 20:5-9

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with THE SAVING

STRENGTH OF HIS RIGHT HAND.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

(Photography notes: Who knew a person could take a western-style photo near Chena Hot Springs, Alaska? These expert riders--dressed for the occasion, cowboy hats and all--on their beautiful horses were spectacular to watch.)

Genesis 1:9-10; Psalms 95:5

And God said, ...let the dry land appear: and it was so.
And God called the dry land Earth; ...and God saw that it was good.

His hands formed the dry land.

(Photography notes: Aerial shots of the tundra between a recent period of two weeks.)

Job 38:27; Isaiah 43:19a

To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth...

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?



The Glory of the Spring How Sweet! by Thomas H. Gill

The glory of the spring how sweet!
The new-born life how glad!
What joy the happy earth to greet
In new, bright raiment clad!

Divine Redeemer, Thee I bless;
I greet Thy going forth;
I love Thee in the loveliness
Of Thy renewèd earth.


But O these wonders of Thy grace,
These nobler works of Thine,
These marvels sweeter far to trace,
These new births more divine:


This new-born glow of faith so strong,
This bloom of love so fair,
This new-born ecstasy of song,
And fragrancy of prayer!


Creator Spirit, work in me
These wonders sweet of Thine;
Divine Redeemer, graciously
Renew this heart of mine.


Still let new life and strength upspring,
Still let new joy be given;
And grant the glad new song to ring
Through the new earth and Heaven.

(Photography notes: At last, life springing from the earth! The tiniest sprouts of beautiful green grass arising from a cold, snowy bed give sure evidence on spring's arrival in the Arctic. Photo taken just today.)

Psalms 138:2-3

I will worship toward
thy holy temple, and
praise thy name for
thy lovingkindness
and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above
all thy name.

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me
with strength in my soul.

His Lovingkindness by Samuel Medley

Awake, my soul, to joyful lays,
And sing thy great Redeemer’s praise;
He justly claims a song from me--
His lovingkindness, O how free!
Lovingkindness, lovingkindness,
His lovingkindness, O how free!

He saw me ruined in the fall,
Yet loved me notwithstanding all;
He saved me from my lost estate--
His lovingkindness, O how great!
Lovingkindness, lovingkindness,
His lovingkindness, O how great!

Though numerous hosts of mighty foes,
Though earth and hell my way oppose,
He safely leads my soul along--
His lovingkindness, O how strong!
Lovingkindness, lovingkindness,
His lovingkindness, O how strong!


When trouble, like a gloomy cloud,
Has gathered thick and thundered loud,
He near my soul has always stood--
His lovingkindness, O how good!
Lovingkindness, lovingkindness,
His lovingkindness, O how good!

Often I feel my sinful heart
Prone from my Jesus to depart;
But though I have him oft forgot,
His lovingkindness changes not.
Lovingkindness, lovingkindness,
His lovingkindness changes not.

(Photography notes: Beautiful small white flowers, name unknown.)