“And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out.”  Deuteronomy 1:25 In the first chapter of Deuteronomy, Moses is reiterating the events that happened earlier when they were preparing to enter the Promised Land. Twelve men were sent to spy out the land of Canaan. No doubt they were excited and eager as they surveyed the country. They all saw the good things about the land. There was plenty of pasture and lots of water for their flocks. Fruit abounded, as evidenced by the bunch of grapes they carried back with them. But as they returned to the camp and gave an account of what they had seen, there was disagreement among them. Two of them, Joshua, and Caleb, spoke in faith and insisted that there would be no problem for them to take the country. The other ten revealed their fear. They were concerned about the giants they had seen in the land. Numbers 13:33 “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”  Because of their…

“And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.”  Isaiah 65:10 Several years ago, I was privileged to attend the General Conference in Toronto. After the night service, our group would travel on the Subway from the Conference Centre to our Hotel. One night, the subway car door closed after the rest got out, leaving me alone. Having ridden on the subway before, I knew enough to get off at the next station, cross over, and take the next train back to one station. There is a Japanese legend that says, “If you get on the wrong train, get off at the nearest station. The longer it takes you to get off, the more expensive the return trip will be.” When I read this, I thought of the story recorded in Joshua. Israel had finally reached the Promised Land, and it was time to start claiming it for their own. God gave Joshua specific instructions to follow as they prepared to attack the city of Jericho. They were to destroy the city and not take anything for themselves. Joshua 6:19…

Psalm 84:6 “Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.” I remember years ago, while traveling in the country, seeing a pipe sticking out of the bank beside the road. Often, there would be a sign saying, “Spring Water.” There is nothing as refreshing as water from a bubbling spring. Someone discovered this one and made it available to thirsty travelers. This Psalm was a poem set to music that the Jewish families would sing as they made their way to Jerusalem to celebrate the feasts and special days. It was a long journey with dangers along the way. The road was rough and rugged, with no places offering food and beverages or shelter. So, I can picture someone finding a pool of water to quench their thirst. In consideration of those following behind them, they cleared away the debris and built a stone wall around it, so that it would be a blessing to others. I love the way The Message version interprets this passage: “And how blessed all those in whom you live, whose lives become roads you travel; They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks, discover cool springs…

“And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.” Genesis 26:19 Every time I read this scripture about a well of springing water, I remember weeding the strawberry patch with my brother on a hot summer day. On the edge of the field, there was a spring. How refreshing it was to lay down our hoes, relax by the spring, and enjoy a drink of cold water. The water was always flowing, clear and cool, no matter how hot the day was. All we had to do was partake of it. Because of a famine in the land, God told Isaac to go dwell in the land of the Philistines. Water was especially important to him because of his great flocks and herds. The Philistines envied him and filled up all the wells that His father Abraham had dug. Isaac had his servants re-dig these wells. Each time the enemy claimed the wells for their own and Isaac moved on. Finally, they dug another well which they were able to keep, and Isaac called it Rehoboth, saying: “For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” …