Day: August 23, 2025

TODAY’S WORD: Wittel Farm: Nourishing Souls and Bodies

HIGH FIVE! (we can do this)

Psalm 119 is a spiritual symphony—an intricate, passionate meditation on the power and beauty of God’s Word. It’s the longest chapter in the Bible, with 176 verses, and it’s structured as an acrostic poem: 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, with 8 verses per stanza. That poetic design isn’t just artistic—it’s intentional, symbolizing completeness and the totality of devotion to God’s instruction.

Here’s what makes Psalm 119 so significant:

📖 Central Themes

  • Love for God’s Word: Nearly every verse refers to Scripture using terms like law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, and word. This repetition emphasizes that God’s Word is the foundation for life, wisdom, and joy.
  • Spiritual Formation: The psalmist doesn’t just study Scripture—he lives it. It’s a heartfelt prayer that reveals how divine truth shapes character, fuels perseverance, and anchors hope in times of affliction.
  • Affliction and Growth: “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes” (v.71). Pain becomes a teacher, guiding the soul deeper into God’s truth.
  • Guidance and Clarity: Verse 105 is iconic: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” It’s a declaration that Scripture illuminates the way forward, even in darkness.

🧠 Structure and Symbolism

  • Acrostic Design: Each stanza begins with the same Hebrew letter, creating a rhythmic and memorable pattern. Some traditions say King David used this to teach Solomon both the alphabet and the spiritual life.
  • Pearl-like Verses: Rather than a linear argument, each verse is a standalone gem—like a string of pearls, each reflecting the light of divine wisdom.

💬 Why It Resonates

Psalm 119 isn’t just about knowing Scripture—it’s about being transformed by it. It’s the cry of someone whose heart has been reshaped by divine truth. It’s not a textbook—it’s a testimony.

Hey… This morning, I am volunteering at the Wittel Farm in Elizabethtown, PA before I go2 work… Can you explain what service Wittel Farm provides???

Wittel Farm is more than just soil and crops—it’s a ministry of the Lutheran Camping Corporation, rooted in spiritual renewal and food justice. Here’s what makes it special:

🌾 Core Mission

  • The Growing Project: In partnership with Hunger-Free Lancaster County, Wittel Farm grows thousands of pounds of fresh produce to feed those in need across the region. It’s a hands-in-the-dirt response to hunger, offering dignity through nourishment.
  • Retreat & Reflection: The farm also serves as a spiritual retreat space. The restored farmhouse—called the House of Prayer—offers a peaceful setting for prayer, meditation, and worship. It’s designed to help individuals and groups reconnect with God and creation.

🤝 Community Impact

  • Volunteer-Powered: Over 500 volunteers come each year to plant, harvest, and learn. It’s a place where youth groups, churches, and individuals like you experience the joy of service and stewardship.
  • Education & Justice: Pastor Matt Lenahan, who leads the initiative, sees the farm as a response to food injustice—bridging the gap for those without access to fresh, local produce.

It’s a living parable, really—where seeds of compassion grow into tangible hope. I imagine your presence there today is part of that quiet miracle.

THANKS FOR LENA.