Daily Devotions
The devotion which follows, with only minimal changes, was written by Dr. Dalane Kitzman who is professor of Cardiology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Dr. Kitzman also serves as an elder at St. John’s Lutheran Church, LCMS, in Winston-Salem, N. C. We thank the good doctor and his wife for reading the Daily Devotions … and especially for today’s idea.
My wife and I built our dream home on a lake outside of town a few years ago. When we did, we included a second story with a large upper room for youth retreats. All in all the place has been a godsend.
The home faces west, and so we are blessed to observe a great many gorgeous sunsets. Truly, a sunset across the water is a wonder.
But we also have many opportunities to view beautiful moonlight on the water. At the risk of being repetitious, a full moon at night on the water is also one of God’s beautiful wonders.
Sometimes I will rise at 3:30 a.m. or 4 a.m. and get in my kayak for a short paddle around the lake in the full moonlight.
So, you may be wondering, where is the idea for the devotion? Well, here is the thing about sunsets and full moons. No matter where you are — on the shore or in the middle of the water in a kayak — the beam of light comes directly at you.
How can it be that I can stand on the end of my dock and the light comes like a laser beam, directly to my feet?
How is it that no matter where I run along the shore, no matter where I paddle in the water, that golden beam of sun or that glistening bright silver beam of moonlight follows me?
A wonder? Indeed! It’s a wonder which reminds us all of how God’s love comes to us, directly, personally, powerfully. It is there even when we don’t notice it or appreciate it.
What a comfort.
This is why when I’m out there at night in my kayak, or sitting on the dock while the sun sets, or reading my Bible for devotions, that beam of light serves to remind me that Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, is also my personal Light as well.
The Savior is the Light who has come directly to me.
THE PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, I give thanks that You sent Your Son to save the world, but I also give thanks He came to save me. For Your caring about me, even the hairs on my head, I give thanks. Truly I have a wonder-full Savior. In Jesus’ Name I give thanks. Amen.