I Found Him...Mimosa

            Light appears out of the darkness to illuminate the feathery mimosa tree blossom. It stands out from the others because of the wonderful light.

            Peter uses this imagery of light in 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV): “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.” Peter is telling all believers that we are part of a “Royal Priesthood”. As such, we have an obligation to “declare the praises of Him”, to help bring others out of the darkness and into the light. We are called to reach out to the lost and “Go and make disciples…” as Jesus instructed.

                        1 Samuel 3 describes the story of Samuel hearing his name called while he was lying down in the temple. Samuel jumps up, went to Eli saying “Here I am”. Eli replied “I did not call you”. After hearing the voice two more times, Eli told Samuel that the Lord was calling and to respond next time with “Speak Lord for your servant is listening”. When the Lord did indeed call again, Samuel responded as instructed and God lead him out of darkness to light.

           God uses His Royal Priesthood to reach those in darkness. When called, acknowledge the light by responding “Speak Lord, your servant is listening”.

            I Found Him…as light shown through a beautiful mimosa blossom.

I Found Him...Pulley

I Found Him...Pulley

          This old wooden pulley has been used by commercial fisherman for years to lighten the load in hauling in heavy nets filled with fish. Pulling the nets without the help of tools is virtually impossible. The pulleys make an overwhelming job manageable.

            We too face obstacles, hurdles, and seemingly overwhelming burdens in our lives. By ourselves, the tasks are simply too much to handle causing many to give up and wallow in defeat. There is help, however. There is a “pulley” to lighten the load. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”. The yoke to which Jesus refers is a tool, just like the pulley, that has two arches that is put over cattle so that they can pull a cart. With this tool, each cow pulls only one-half of the load.

            Jesus is willing and anxious to share your load. He is only a prayer away from helping, reducing the stress, and making the unmanageable doable. Jesus also works through others. Ask friends, pastors, fellow Christians for help. Offer yourself to others in the same way. Use the pulley and be the pulley for others.

            I Found Him…on an abandoned commercial fishing boat.

I Found Him-Compass

            A compass sits abandoned on an old commercial fishing boat. When operational, it worked beautifully guiding crews through perilous waters, showing them the way home. When not used and maintained, it became useless.

            We too have a compass available to guide and lead us through perilous times. God will indeed show us the way if we allow Him. Many, unfortunately, do not use His help; they feel that they can manage the route making life-decisions without a clear understanding of their direction.

            People have tried this forever. God lead the Israelites, for example, out of Egypt and slavery, on a route to the Promised Land. They rebelled against God, however, grumbled, and lost faith in God’s direction. The author of Deuteronomy (probably Moses) recorded these actions in Chapter 1:33 (NIV): “…you did not trust in the Lord your God, who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go”.

            I suspect that the captain of this boat uses GPS technology instead of this old compass, but we do not have that luxury in life. Our dependence upon God through prayer and faith has not changed. Just as the Israelites needed God’s guidance in 1406 B.C., we need it today. There is no new technology that replaces God in charting the way for us.

            I Found Him…aboard an old commercial fishing boat.

Crab in Crab Pot

            A blue crab, unexpectedly trapped and overlooked by the crabber, is bleached white by an unrelenting sun.

            Jesus talked often about the devil’s traps. In Luke 21:34, 36(NIV), for example, “Be careful or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life. And that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap…”. Sin becomes easy with no remorse. Excuses and self-justification take the place of true mourning for sinning. Bam-trapped!

            We face enumerable traps designed to move us away from God. One such trap is money. Some people do almost anything to obtain it, and once they have it, feel so powerful and independent that they lose sight of God, falsely believing that they no longer need Him. Look at politians who vote against the best interests of their constituency; then follow the money. They are indeed TRAPPED.  

            Paul instructs Timothy, a young minister, in 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NIV): “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil…”. He offers this alternative in verse 18: “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous…”.

            Traps abound, but fortunately we have the broad shoulders of Jesus to steer us around them.

            I Found Him…spotting a bleached crab in a stack of crab pots.

I Found Him...Good Earth Peanut Company

I Found Him-Off Beaten Path

            You all have heard phrases like ”You can’t judge a book by looking at the cover” or “All that shines is not gold”. These came to mind recently as I traveled the back roads, off of the beaten path, and stumbled across the “Good Earth Peanut Company”. Based solely on the exterior, my expectations were fairly low. But upon entering the store and talking to the owner and its employees-wow! The people are genuinely friendly and have a passion to produce products unlike any found in fancy chain stores. And they do; the chocolate covered peanut brittle, for example, is awesome.

            Jesus talked often about how unimportant one’s outward appearance is compared to what is in their heart. Jesus verbalized this concept in his Seven Woes in the 23rd chapter of Matthew. Verses 25-26 (NIV), for example, says: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of your cup and dish, but inside are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean”.

Jesus teaches us to be humble servants; not for show but simply for the love of Christ. Just as I was pleasantly shocked at the gem I found within this store with a deceiving exterior, so may we strive to be gems on the inside, through faith, love, and humbleness.

            I Found Him…off the beaten path.

I Found Him...Lizard

I Found Him-Lizard Shedding Skin

 Look closely to see a lizard naturally shedding his old skin as he continues to grow. What a powerful image this is as we consider our own lives and the beautiful gift of redemption that God gives us all.

First, as we grow older, there is no need to grow old.  Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV) “Therefore, do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day”. If we grow old, (instead of older) we lose the joy of our human potential. Finished. Sad shape. But if we see ourselves as wiser, kinder, more in control, still growing, then thank God that we are not the person that we used to be; and not the person we WILL be either. He allows us to “shed our old skin” and continue to grow.

Second, no matter our past, no matter our age, through God’s gift, we can repent and be cleansed. Salvation is still available to all through faith. David in Psalms 51:1-2 (NIV) prays after committing adultery the following: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin”.

“Shed your old skin”, be renewed. Start today, ask God for forgiveness, focus on pleasing Him, and experience His amazing grace.

I Found Him…watching a lizard shed dead skin.

Happy Easter!

New Book Now Published!

My second book, "Emmanuel-God With Us" is now available at www.Jenkins100.com. (Click on "Books" page).

This devotional book of hope features original photography printed on a high quality paper that make the colors and pictures "pop". I hope that you will find inspiration from these short reflections emphasizing God's presence everywhere and always; and that the readers will learn to slow down and feel His presence. 

Just in time for an Easter present and I personally sign every copy.

I Found Him...Closed Country Store

            As thousands of others, a once vibrant store deteriorates, no longer viable. Why? A simple explanation is that they did not change with the times. For this store, there was not adequate parking, no gas was offered, and it was too small to offer a wide-enough variety of merchandise to meet the customers’ needs. Sadly, these stores are no longer relevant. They lost touch with the changing needs of their customers.

            Even more sad is that thousands of churches are falling into the same trap. They too are not changing. Their services, missions, classes, etc. are identical to those offered decades ago. Attendance is down and those still attending generally are grandparents. Too many young families do not view the church as important. Even young believers do not relate to most traditional churches. The church, to them, is a relic.

            God, however, is not a relic. He indeed is a living God who has endured forever. It is not that He is irrelevant, but churches fail to make Him real. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) says: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword…,”. Many churches, however, are not “living and active”; they are old and stale. Bold new Christian leadership (pastors and laity) is drastically needed or churches will soon follow the path of old country stores; and I for one am terrified of what will replace them.

I Found Him…in an abandoned old country store.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

Since 1823, the second oldest operating lighthouse in the United States, the Ocracoke Lighthouse, continues to shine its light into the sea helping ships safely navigate the tricky channels between the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Commercial ships relied on the light from the octagonal lantern atop this 75 feet high structure to guide their path through treacherous waters.

Just as it is the function of this historic lighthouse to cast a light for all to see, Jesus emphasizes that it is indeed our job as well to do the same. His instructions in Matthew 5:14-16 are clear: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven”.

So, are we shining boldly in our work for the Lord? Jesus does not ask us to hide in the shadows, but to stand tall like this lighthouse; to help others, to shout God’s praises, and to openly work to bring friends, family, colleagues, and strangers, to Him.

The lyrics from a Hillsong Kids song says it well: “Let Your light shine and let Jesus shine through you”.

I Found Him…at the historic Ocracoke Light Station on the North Carolina coast.

Tundra Swans

Tundra Swans, flying in perfect formation, rely on each other to make their 4,000 mile semi-annual trip from Alaska/Canada to eastern North Carolina and back. Traveling in flocks, with family members together, they soar at 50 mph+ two miles high. They minimize their energy use by positioning themselves and coordinating their wing beats perfectly with the others.

The Bible offers similar advice regarding working together. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV) for example, says “Two are better than one, because they have good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

The point is that we are not alone. The Bible instructs family, friends or even strangers to help one another. Joining together to help is a trait that exists in humans just as it does with these swans. It sometimes gets lost in the nightly news, and we may have to be a little more intentional to make it a daily habit, but the instinct is there.   

Just as God extends His loving hands to help us, let us also extend our hands to others. Together we better serve and love the Lord; and together we can positively change our lives and the world.                                       

I Found Him… gazing at majestic swans soaring overhead.

            A centuries old oak tree stands tall, proclaiming its strength, withstanding all that time throws at it. Generations come and go, but this amazing tree remains solid through storms, droughts, and other disasters. What a beautiful sight it was for farm workers who took their breaks in the cool shade under its canopy.

            Oak trees are often used in the Bible to signify strength and stability. A great message is delivered in Isaiah 61, for example, when the servant proclaims that God is at work to restore and vindicate His people; that they would become strong and stable just like the oak tree. Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV) “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve … to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor”.

            Jesus taught from this scripture that we too can find comfort from our issues and can “stand tall as a mighty oak”, simply through faith in Him.

           I Found Him…under a massive oak tree.

I Found Him...Abandoned House

Oh what memories this house could share! The pig-pickings, Thanksgivings, Christmases, spring plantings and fall harvests, Sunday dinners; good times and bad; long hours farming and sweet Sunday rests all appear to fade away. This once stately farm house served proudly, but it cannot last forever. Time takes its toll.

God’s love and grace, on the other hand, is timeless. In John 15:16, Jesus speaks to His disciples “You did not choose me, but I chose you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last”. This fruit has indeed lasted, 2,000+ years and counting. Unlike man-made structures, this fruit lasts because it is from the Spirit of the living God.  Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 3:3 “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not in ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts”. God’s grace continues to live in our hearts.

So even as magnificent as this house once was, it lasts only a finite time. God’s grace, (an undeserved gift and unearned love of God through the Holy Spirit) was here before us; it is here through Jesus Christ to forgive our sins; and stays with us forever as we strive to further develop a relationship with Him.

Lord, we thank you for your timeless grace, that as years defeat earthly objects, You remain strong; our rock, our hope. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

I Found Him...Bodie Island Lighthouse

The Bodie (Body) Island Lighthouse continues to this day sending forth its light to aid ships off of the coast of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, just as it did when built in 1872. Its beacon, seen for 19 miles, directs ship captains through deadly waters. Bodie Island’s name is said to have come from the number of bodies that washed ashore there from shipwrecks occurring in the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”.

Christians too have a “lighthouse” to guide us; a beacon that travels infinitely, however, not just 19 miles. Jesus says in John 8:12 (NIV) that “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”. We face perils daily that are just as dangerous as those the ships face. By following the “light” of Jesus, however, we have a safe route. Jesus made it very clear in John 14:5-6: “Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus answered, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…”.

Paul articulated our challenge in Ephesians 5:8-9 (NIV) “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) …”.

I Found Him…guiding me just as the Bodie Lighthouse does for ships.

I Found Him...Great Egret

On a cold wintry morning, shortly after sunrise, I was mesmerized by thousands of swans, geese, ducks, and other migratory wildlife wintering near a local lake. The sounds of thousands of birds honking seemed poetic. This Great Egret indeed was poetry in motion as it gracefully glided over the marsh. This picture sparks an overwhelming feeling of praise and astonishment due to the beauty of God’s creation. It mysteriously leads me to the glorious poetry in Psalms.

Psalm 136: 1-2, 4--9 and 25-26 represents a liturgy of praise to the Lord as Creator. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of Gods. His love endures forever. To Him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever; who by His understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever; who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever; who made the great lights, His love endures forever; the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever; the moon and the stars to govern the night, His love endures forever…and who gives food to every creature, His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven.   His love endures forever.”

God is with us! His creation is bubbling over with wonder. Stop, take a deep breath, look and listen for the poetry that is God’s Creation. Thanks be to God.

I Found Him…as a Great Egret slowly skimmed over pristine marshland.

I Found Him...Moonlight

In the darkness of night, the light of the moon reveals hints that more is there; in this case, a tree. As dawn brings forth more light, more is revealed. What once appeared to be a total void, nothing, darkness awakes to a beautiful creek, blue skies, a forest, indeed a world. 

Many times it appears that people we know, indeed ourselves, go through periods of darkness, not seeing, feeling, hearing or even realizing that there is so much more available. They are oblivious to the fact a better, fuller, and joyful life is waiting to dawn. They simply need light.

            John tells us in John 1:1-5 (Living Bible) speaking of Christ: “Eternal life is in Him, and this life gives light to all mankind. His life is the light that shines through the darkness—and the darkness can never extinguish it”.

            Jesus is indeed the light by which a new life is revealed. It is through Him that we can see a new world. Peter explains in 2 Peter 1:19 that the Holy Spirit gave messages to the prophets and that we should “pay close attention to everything they have written, for, like lights shining into dark corners, their words help us to understand many things that otherwise would be dark and difficult…then the light will dawn in your souls”.

            Let the light of Jesus shine in you, a fulfilled life will emerge from the darkness.

            I Found Him…in the moonlight shining through the dark skies. 

I FOUND HIM MINISTRY

I Found Him... is a collection of reflections of finding God in ordinary places. I try to teach simple life-lessons from the lens of a camera.

Looking at life from the back of a turtle, the wings of a swan, or in the rays of moonlight glistening off of a creek gives a different perspective to what is truly important.

Readers of this anthology are encouraged to look at ordinary sights in new ways, and to be blessed by "Finding Him" every day, everywhere.