Every Mountain and Hill
‘And every mountain and hill be made low.’
Mountains are among the most stunning, sublime, and jaw-dropping features in all of creation. Throughout history, mountains have directed our vision and thoughts upward, and often created great consternation to those who have tried to traverse them.
This is part four in a series of devotional thoughts, looking at Isaiah 40, my favorite chapter in the Bible. If you missed any of the others, see my Facebook entries on 10/11, 10/5, and 9/28. This series will also continue into November.
One of the ways to drive to West Virginia University, my alma mater, from our home in Virginia, is to connect with route 68. On the way, you cross a number of mountains, which makes the trip beautiful, yet sometimes difficult and dangerous, especially in the winter.
From 1983 to 1985, a road cut was made through one of those mountains, that is 340 feet deep. The results of careful planning and engineering, this section of roadway is not only visible from several miles away, but also created quicker and safer passage than existed in 1981, when I began as a freshman at WVU. As you drive through the Sideling Hill roadcut, you can’t help but appreciate the enormous amount of time, energy, and resources required to remove, what in reality is, only a small section of a mountain.
Long ago, the prophet Isaiah described the construction of a ‘heavenly highway,’ through even more difficult terrain, when he stated, ‘A voice is calling, clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley.’ Isaiah 40:3-4
This powerful imagery reminds us that even the greatest of natural wonders such as a mountain, hill, or a valley, can at times necessitate alteration, to accomplish the purpose of God. As I pondered the phrase, ‘and every mountain and hill be made low,’ I was awestruck that before God, not only are mountains of little consequence, but at times they need to be ‘made low.’
Isaiah 40 reminds us that we humans, our rulers, and all of the combined nations of the world, are of little consequence when placed in juxtaposition to God. In addition, even the highest, loftiest, and grandest of mountains, is also inconsequential in comparison to the Almighty, and in preparation for the proclamation for the greatest news of all.
What was obvious to Isaiah, and also clear cut to us, is that the process of leveling a mountain remains no easy endeavor. At times, the loveliness of prose and metaphor hides the mystery and wonder that we would do well to further explore. As such, it is wise to recall that of even greater concern, is that when removing a mountain, or even a tiny part of one, catastrophic consequences can occur.
On October the 9th, 1963, a massive landslide that lasted only 45 seconds removed over 340 million cubic yards of earth, rock, and forest, from Mount Toc in Northern Italy, and sent it cascading into the reservoir below. This massive displacement of just a ‘small’ part of a mountain, created a tsunami hundreds of meters high, that overtopped the Vajont Dam, and sadly killed over 2000 people in the surrounding area.
This terrible tragedy was one of the largest man-made disasters in history, and happened because the mountain became waterlogged with the creation of the new reservoir and a geologic feature that engineers failed to accurately understand. The event, and others like it, remind us of the incredible impact, when even a fraction of a mountain is ‘made low’ either due to forces in nature or because of human influence.
Dear brother or sister in Christ, or friend along life’s journey, as we start a new week, join me, to take time today, and throughout the week, to stop and ponder the amazing beauty and wonder that God has placed in the natural world. As we do, I hope you can smile also along with me, as we face the challenges and opportunities of the new week. The fabulous colors of the fall, and other splendors await, that can provide not only a respite for the soul, but also a reminder of forces at work that are far greater than ourselves.
Yet, in the midst of them, recall the words of Isaiah that declare that even majestic mountains find their purpose, when viewed through the eyes of eternity. As such, let us live each day in close relationship with the Awesome God who deeply loves us, and know that because of Him, and in view of the need to proclaim everlasting truths about God, that 'every valley will be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low'.
Goin’ to Carolina in My Mind
'Goin’ to Carolina in my Mind'
I woke up today - a bit confused. I turned on the computer and it said I can vote today in North Carolina.
Given that bit of information, I'm on my way to North Carolina. Once I get there, I will turn around and return home to Virginia later today. Tomorrow, I will turn on the computer again, and wait for instructions!
OK, I'm kidding in all of this, of course, but thought it was quite funny. I'm not sure why my computer feels I need to know that people can vote in North Carolina today, since I live - happily, year round, in Virginia!
To those of you - in North Carolina - I do look forward to visiting your state, and especially its beaches again sometime soon. In all the things we are facing as individuals, and as a nation, it is good if we can take a moment to smile together, relax, and to enjoy the amazing new mercies that God gives us each day.
May God bless each and every one of you today, no matter how you view any issue, the upcoming election, the pandemic, or any challenge you may be facing.
I played some James Taylor - in honor of the moment and listened and smiled to the refrain, 'goin’ to Carolina in my mind.'
A Drop from a Bucket
Surely the nations are like a drop from a bucket.
On September 28th, I began a series in Isaiah 40, my favorite chapter in the Bible. I wrote about how we finite humans are compared to grass and grasshoppers, not the loftiest of comparisons.
On October 5th, I shared how God views our rulers. Negligible is the difference between how he sees a prime minister, a president, or a king, and how he sees us. Today, I will continue that progression in Isaiah 40 to enquire, how does the awesome God of time, space, and eternity, view nations?
For those of you that know me well, you may have observed that I view a 5 gallon bucket as an indispensable tool. So critical to the function of the universe, that any displaced bucket is welcomed to the Gritsko habitation. Due to my deep affection for them, I have not only collected many, but also use them in countless ways.
Earlier this week, as I was carrying water to our chickens, turkeys, and guinea fowl, I was also pondering the words of Isaiah. Isaiah 40:15-17 states, “Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust. Even Lebanon is not enough to burn, Nor its beasts enough for a burnt offering. All the nations are as nothing before Him, They are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless.”
Depending on how you count them, there are somewhere between just under 200, to just under 250 nations in the world. The UN has 193 member states plus 2 observer entities, 206 compete in the Olympics, 211 are allowed to play in the FIFA World Cup, and according to the ISO, the International Organization for Standardization - yes, it really exists - there are 249 country codes.
No matter how we count them, add them all together, and they are like a drop from a bucket, to God. To my friends who are super athletes, in your exercise routine, have you ever tried to pick up an island? God has, and to him they are like ‘fine dust,’ as inconsequential as all the nations around the globe.
Scripture was not written to inflate our egos or self-importance. It was also not written to spur us on to higher and bigger achievements either as individuals or as nations, lest we be tempted again as those were who built the ancient tower of Babel.
However, scripture was written by our loving Creator to help us navigate our existence. As we inject our daily lives with megadoses of eternity, found in the pages of the Bible, we can glimpse the power and majesty of God in the midst of a dying and desperate world.
My dear brother or sister in Christ, or friend along life’s journey, as we begin a new week, 7 months into the pandemic and a few weeks before our election, I hope you can smile with me, not because of the heartache you may be facing or the challenges in our nation, but because we are confident of the great love extended to us, by the awesome God, knowing that to Him, surely the nations are like a drop from a bucket.
Like Stubble
'They wither, and the storm carries them away like stubble.'
A week ago, I began a series on my favorite chapter in the Bible, Isaiah 40. In that writing, I focused on a theme in the chapter, that we humans are like grass and grasshoppers. If you have not read it, see my post on September 28th.
Last Thursday morning, I pondered that even the most influential among us are also mere blips on the vast radar of eternity. That line of thought became even more pronounced, with the news that broke later that night, and early the next morning.
Isaiah 40: 23-24 states it this way, “It is He who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. Scarcely have they been planted, Scarcely have they been sown, Scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, But He merely blows on them, and they wither, And the storm carries them away like stubble.”
I was blown away, as I often am by the timeliness of God’s holy word. Kings, queens, presidents, dictators, and rulers of all types, as powerful and influential that they might seem to be, are merely like the 1977 song by Kansas, “All we are is dust in the wind.”
In the vastness of eternity, and in comparison to God, we, like our rulers, are also little more than grass and grasshoppers. Perhaps timely reminders from God can help each of us and our nation face the following challenges - the contentious election, the unexpected death on the Supreme Court and the dispute on how to fill that seat, the ongoing impact of Covid -19, and how it now has infected the first family, including the leader of the free world.
Some, as they approach politics, tend to associate themselves and their leaders, as being on the side of God. While it certainly can be wise to apply Biblical truth when confronting current political reality, Isaiah 40 reminds us of something much deeper. When we have an over inflated view of humanity, whether our own, or that of any leader, we often have a decreased dependence on our awesome Creator. Isaiah 40 is a clarion call to not put too much stock in fellow mortals who will also soon pass away.
Dear brother or sister in Christ, and friend along life’s journey, as we start a new week, let us take time to pray, asking that the God of all time, space, and eternity, will meet the needs of those around us, to heal our president, all those impacted by Covid-19, and for His answers to the challenges that we are facing as a nation.
Let us also take time to ponder the words of Isaiah 40, that clear the fog, as it reminds us that our deepest needs can only be met by God, and that even the most influential human lives, at best, “they wither, and the storm carries them away like stubble.”
Of Grass and Grasshoppers
Of Grass and Grasshoppers
Over the past few weeks, I have been enjoying spending time in my favorite chapter in the Bible, Isaiah 40. This incredible passage of scripture expounds on the majesty of God, reminding us of the absolute - amazingness, of the awesome Creator of heaven and earth.
At the same time, Isaiah 40 also challenges us to not have an inflated view of ourselves and our own significance, if we are to live in greatest harmony with our wonderful Creator and with each other.
Given the astounding contents of this portion of scripture, I am in the process of creating a short series of devotional thoughts from this chapter, beginning with my focus today on the brevity of human existence.
When Isaiah 40 compares us to grass and grasshoppers, perhaps it does not come across as the most comforting thought as you begin a new week with opportunities and challenges.
Isaiah 40: 6-8 & 22a - “A voice says, “Call out.” Then he answered, “What shall I call out?” All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever...It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers.”
This weekend, I did something I had never done before. I picked some grass and held it in my hand and pondered that the grass I was holding would soon disappear and fade away. I also thought about the grasshoppers that had frantically tried to get out of the path of my lawnmower would also soon vanish once the colder weather arrives.
The wisdom in Isaiah 40 reminds us that a healthy dose of our own insignificance is perhaps more valuable than the much sought after vaccine for Covid-19, because it reminds us of our need for God.
Dear brother or sister in Christ, and friend along life’s journey, I hope you can smile along with me as we face a new week, not because we have life all figured out, but because we seek to live in the closest contact with the One who does.
Tune in with me in the coming days as I explore other truths from my #1 favorite chapter in God’s holy word, and take time to smile in the coming days when you think of grass and grasshoppers.
In Search of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
In search of Justice Sandra Day O’ Connor - an open letter to President Trump
Dear Mr. President,
Thank you for your tremendous service to the people of the United States of America, for your tireless efforts on behalf of our entire nation, and for the countless difficulties that you, your family, your administration, and our nation have faced and overcome during your presidency.
Mr. President, with the unfortunate passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, it is wise for us as a nation to: take time to mourn, remember her accomplishments, and also to work as quickly as possible to replace the now-vacant seat on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Mr. President, it is my hope that you will speak on behalf of all of us, with the family, friends, and all those inspired by the life of our now-deceased Associate Justice, of how we as a nation share in their grief.
Mr. President, it is also my hope that you will, in the shortest time possible, nominate one of America’s many excellent conservative female judges, with a similar skill set and judicial outlook as former Justice Sandra Day O’ Connor, for the now-vacant seat on our highest court.
Mr. President, if you do so, you will not only have the opportunity to appoint the fifth woman in history as an Associate Justice, but also to enable the SCOTUS to be in the best position to serve the needs of the nation, as it begins a new docket of cases, the first Monday in October.
Mr. President, although I did not agree with all of Justice O'Connor's opinions, or that of any justice, with a wise and independent legal mind, she worked with utmost diligence to protect and defend the Constitution, and left an amazing legacy that has sadly been neglected, by the absence of the appointment of a second female conservative Justice, since her retirement.
Mr. President, you might recall, as a testimony to her groundbreaking time on the high court, on August 12th, 2009, just a couple years before her death, retired Justice Connor was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Obama. This award was in keeping with both her unique role in history, as the first woman to have served on the Supreme Court, and also with regards to the dignity and integrity with which she served the nation.
Mr. President, you might also recall that she had been nominated by former President Reagan in 1981, and confirmed by a remarkable vote of 99 - 0, a vote that would seem otherworldly, given the ill manner of current politics, and the shenanigans of many who opposed the appointment of one of your previous nominees, Justice Kavanaugh. Sadly, something that even a current vice presidential candidate chose also to participate in.
Mr. President, it also is my hope that both Democratic and Republican Senators alike, will speedily work together, in unity, to create a fast and honorable process, to quickly, and honorably confirm your nominee.
Mr. President, it is my hope that the confirmation process can be completed without any delay, before the election; yet, if there is any delay at all, Mr. President, once you are re-elected, the process could also be completed within the first or second week following your re-election.
Mr. President, thank you for your consideration of my thoughts. You, your family, our amazing nation, those impacted by the challenges we are all facing, and the Ginsburg family, remain the focus of my current prayers.
My Soul Thirsts
God, my soul thirsts for you!
Over the past couple of weeks, life has been crazy, and it has also been extremely busy. Maybe that is also the same for many of you out there. Although I am accustomed to burning the candle at both ends, a great danger for me is in losing intimate contact with God.
Instead of beseeching the Author of Life, for his celestial brilliance, mighty power, and unlimited resources, I end up short on ideas, out of energy, and with an increased recognition of my own finite abilities.
Ravi Zacharias once stated, “The biggest battle you will face in life, is your daily appointment with God; keep it, or every other battle will become bigger.” Although I have always concurred with his wise sentiment, living it out is a different matter.
However, I am thankful that long ago, God used the words of the Psalmist to remind us of what it is like to strenuously and ardently pursue God. He stated, “God, My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water” Psalm 63:1.
The Psalmist uses the imagery of a person in desperate need of water to convey the intensity of his desire for intimacy with God. When we are in desperate need of water, a dry and weary land is a difficult place to find it.
I have found it is essential to maintain intensity in my pursuit of God, if I am to live in close fellowship with my Creator. The greatest heights in this world are attainable, and the deepest valleys survivable, not because of anything to do with me, but because life is designed to be lived in close relationship with God.
Dear brother or sister in Christ, or friend along life’s journey, as we begin a new week, let us remember the words of the Psalmist, and like him, cry out, in the midst of opportunities, challenges, and the busyness of life, “God, my soul thirsts for you!”
September 17, 1787
Smile today, and share with others what happened on September 17th, 1787.
Today is Constitution Day, a day of great national significance. A date in history that it would be wise for Americans to never forget.
On September 17th, 1787, the US Constitution was first signed. Today, just 27 amendments later, this unparalleled document spells out the form of government, for the freest and most incredible nation on earth.
Even though our nation is very young, we have the longest standing form of government in the world. Kings and kingdoms have fallen, dictators come and gone, empires risen and vanished, coups, wars, and insurrections, the world over, yet our form of government has remained.
A testament to the brilliant concepts found throughout its pages including the separation of powers and an accurate understanding of human nature. Although no creation by mortals can or ever will be perfect, what our founders created was based on the deep hope that ‘we the people’ would be able to govern ourselves.
Although I have had the honor of visiting our nation's Capitol too many times to count, my visits to the National Archives on Constitution Day in 1997, 1998, and 1999, were some of the most solemn and wonderful events that I have ever experienced.
I am still in awe, as I recall standing by the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of rights, as a member of our armed service sang our National Anthem.
Everyone stood in silence, in honor of our nation, its symbols, in deep thankfulness to those who fought, bled, and died, to secure our God given freedoms, and in remembrance of the ideals passed on to each one of us. A sacred moment when you could observe first hand, the essence of who we are as a nation, and feel exceedingly proud to be an American. and to honor all that we stand for as a nation.
We then watched, the naturalization ceremonies of over 30 new US citizens, who recited the following words:
"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."
I have often thought that those of us who have been blessed to have lived our entire lives in the freest nation on earth, would do well to read and ponder the oath taken by our newest fellow citizens.
In doing so, let us take time today to recall the significance of this date in history, pray for resolution to the challenges we currently face as a nation, and smile today, and share with others, what happened on September 17th, 1787.