Good morning…

I love, love, love my black, well-worn Frye boots. Yesterday was the first day I donned those precious puppies as autumn tips toward winter. When I pulled my boots over my socks, I thought of a phrase that appears in one of my favorite verses in the Message translation of holy scripture.

A green Shoot will sprout from Jesse’s stump, from his roots a budding Branch. The life-giving Spirit of God will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, The Spirit that gives direction and builds strength, the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-God. Fear-of-God will be all his joy and delight. He won’t judge by appearances, won’t decide on the basis of hearsay. He’ll judge the needy by what is right, render decisions on earth’s poor with justice. His words will bring everyone to awed attention. A mere breath from his lips will topple the wicked. Each morning he’ll pull on sturdy work clothes and boots, and build righteousness and faithfulness in the land (Isaiah 11:1-5, MSG).

Every morning, may we slip into the sturdy work boots God has fit for our feet, empowered by the Spirit to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation,
the news that the God of Israel reigns! (Isaiah 52:7, NLT).

…Sue…