I Found Him-Eagle-COVID-19

A Bald Eagle majestically perches on the branch of a pine tree on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He seems to exude strength, confidence, and power.

We face unprecedented times as we battle COVID-19. Virtually all sporting events are cancelled, schools, offices and churches are closing trying to curb the spread of this highly contagious disease. “Social Distancing” is now a thing. Hand sanitizers are simply nowhere to be found and people are inexplicably stock-piling toilet paper. The stock market is dropping at an historic pace causing retirees who depend on their 401K’s much stress and anxiety.

If there is a silver-lining in this global emergency, it is that it gives us time to pause, to reevaluate priorities, to examine our souls. We can find comfort in the Bible. Isaiah 40:31 says: “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength! They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”.

My prayer is that common sense will prevail, that we will avoid close contact with people, wash our hands often, and certainly not go out if symptoms appear. I also pray that employers will sustain affected employees.

Be comforted by Isaiah’s words in Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you…”

I Found Him…while observing an eagle perched in a pine tree.

I Found Him-Forest

I never tire of witnessing the awe-inspiring beauty of God’s creation. The God-painted colors in this Vermont forest are truly breathtaking. With this pure beauty in mind, it truly saddens me to think of the wildfires ravaging thousands of acres on the west coast. Not only are the forests devastated, but the human and wildlife toll is immeasurable. These horrific fires start many times by a single spark.

Similarly, for us, often-times a small action has huge consequences. James, Jesus’ brother, writes in James 3:5-7 (NIV): “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire…It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell… (The tongue) is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”

Flip Wilson‘s famous words “the devil made me do it” apply here. The devil, working on us, causes us to say things that we regret; hurtful things. James continues in verse 10: “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing, My brothers, this should not be”.

Ill-spoken words, spontaneous words of anger, have long-lasting negative effects on relationships, families, friendships, and even countries. Fight the devil; slow down, breathe deeply, and think before speaking. Avoid the figurative spark that can burn an entire forest.

I Found Him…on a beautiful fall day in Vermont.

I Found Him-Dairy Farm

Signs of a changing season abound on this beautiful Vermont dairy farm. The changing colors of the leaves signify that fall is here and that winter is not far behind. The beauty of this season is bittersweet in that we know that a cold, harsh New England winter surely will follow. We have faith, however, that spring will come again; that the snow and ice will melt, and that once again, new growth and mild temperatures will replace the cold, dark season of winter.

What a great lesson God teaches those who simply contemplate the changing seasons. As the popular verse in Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) proclaims, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven”. Indeed, we all go through different seasons in our lives, we weep and we laugh, we mourn and we dance, we scatter stones and we gather them, we are silent and we speak, we love and we hate.

Through it all, believers we have FAITH. We believe that new growth will emerge, that our faith will mature. Paul teaches in Ephesians 3:12 (NIV) “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence”. Wow! Let us all learn and take comfort that through faith, regardless of the season that we find ourselves, that we can approach God with freedom and confidence. We know that in God’s infinite wisdom, a new season awaits.

I Found Him…in beautiful Vermont.

The Margaretsville Lighthouse, built in 1859, still operates today along the coast of Nova Scotia. Its original oil lamp was replaced after over 100 years by an electrical one in 1963. This lighthouse, along with thousands of others throughout the world, offers a great service to ships sailing through treacherous waters; shining light on dangerous paths.

We too have a light that shines when we stray onto dangerous, sinful waters -a conscience. God gave us this “warning light” to help us follow Him. Even if the conscience is dulled and darkened by sin, it still shines, nudging us back to a Godlier path. God’s light shines, guiding us away from the dark, sinful paths.

Proverb 20:27 (The Living Bible”) says: “A man’s conscience is the Lord’s searchlight exposing his hidden motives”. In other words, a conscience is God’s way of keeping us focused and centered as we navigate a perilous world. In 1 Timothy 1:19 (The Living Bible) Paul instructs Timothy (and us) to “Cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear, doing what you know is right. For some people have disobeyed their consciences and have deliberately done what they know is wrong. It isn’t surprising that they lost their faith in Christ after defying God like that”.

Follow the light of Christ as it is emitted by your conscience and allow the love of God to shine in you.

I Found Him…as a lighthouse boldly guards a Nova Scotian coastline.

I Found Him-Nova Scotia Coast

What a joy it is to step away from the details of day to day life and look at the world from a different perspective. Breathing the cool air along the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, viewing this beautiful vista, allowed me to put aside my problems, burdens, and concerns and simply enjoy the moment.

God intends for us to change our perspective, to look to Him rather than ourselves. Daily routines, to-do lists, and schedules often dominate us. Look at the world from a different view and realize that God sees the big picture.

When we are depressed or angry, look to Him

When we are overwhelmed by life’s minutia, look to Him.

When we face new challenges, look to Him.

When we are tempted, look to Him

By changing our perspective and focusing on the big picture-everlasting life through Jesus Christ-joy emerges; and joy will overwhelm our earthly issues.

Paul says in Colossians 3:2 (NIV) “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Look at the world as if you were on the top of a mountain as in this picture. Look to God, change the perspective, consider the big picture. Take comfort from the words in Psalms 138:7 (NIV) “Though I walk in the mist of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes, with Your right hand You save me”.

I Found Him…in the beautiful Nova Scotia coast.

I Found Him-Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,200+/- mile marked hiking trail that extends between Georgia and Maine. It is considered the longest hiking-only trail in the world with an estimated 2 million+ people hiking on part of the trail at least once each year. Although I only hiked a very short distance, many hike the entire 2,200 miles continuously (“Thru-Hikers”) in one season. Others, when completing the entire hike, turn around and thru-hike the trail the other way, known as a "yo-yo". To complete this hike in any manner takes great perseverance, discipline, and self-control.

These same traits are required to be a follower of Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 sets a very clear vision: “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…”. Just as the hikers enjoy the journey but have their eyes set on the completion point of their hike, so should we enjoy every day without letting our eyes stray from our finish line—Jesus! We, like the hikers, face obstacles along the way, we grow weary, we often have doubts and consider taking the easy path. Resist that temptation. Hebrews 12:3 (NIV) offers encouragement: “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart”.

With Jesus’ help we can persevere. Keep your eyes on Jesus!

I Found Him…along the Appalachian Trail.

I Found Him...Wind Swept Trees

Trees along the North Carolina coast have withstood hurricanes, nor’easters, thunderstorms and strong winds for years. They bend, adapt, and bounce back after virtually every storm.

Faith is very similar. We all face trails, rough spots, and events that test our faith. It is those with deep roots who weather these storms and bounce back. James, the brother and disciple of Jesus, explains in James 1:2-4 (NIV) how to face the trials that we face: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because that you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”.

Just as these trees have deep, well established roots, we too must rely on our roots of faith and develop perseverance. James continues in verses 6 & 12 “But he who asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God had promised to those who love him”.

Although not easy, embrace life’s storms, keep your faith, and grow perseverance. God promises that we will emerge stronger. Although we sway, we bounce back and continue to grow—through faith.

I Found Him…Among the swaying coastal trees.

I Found Him...Mountain Sunset

Another day ends as the sun majestically sets behind the mountains at the Skyline Drive in Virginia. Watching the sun slowly creep behind the mountain surrounded by vibrant yellows and oranges certainly is an awe inspiring experience.

The day ends and we rest with hope and anticipation of a new day coming. Many carry burdens and struggles and long for a new start tomorrow; one with assurance, peace and hope. 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 souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”.

This gorgeous sunset represents a new opportunity for believers. The issues, heartaches, concerns, and troubles burn away with the descending sun. As the psalmist in Psalm 46:1 (NIV) says: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”. So many people try to handle this complex life on their own without God. But they struggle. Those who follow Jesus’ command of “Come to me” have a much better chance. Joy, peace and comfort awaits. So lean on Jesus; allow Him to carry your load. As the sun sets tonight, let your troubles go with the sun and know that through Jesus, tomorrow WILL be better.

I Found Him…surrounded by the beautiful colors of a spectacular sunset.

I Found Him...Dandelion Flower

Dandelions and their flowers are a nuisance that litters our yards in the spring. Up close, however, its bright yellow petals are quite pretty. Their beauty lasts only a short time before they wither away, however. They come and go and are forgotten.

The Bible uses the analogy of flowers withering to describe people and our priorities. Peter describes what it is like to accept Jesus, to trust Him, and put our faith and trust in Him alone. In 1 Peter 1:23-24 (Living Bible) he says “For you have a new life. It is not passed on to you from your parents, for the life they gave you will fade away. This new one will last forever, for it comes from Christ, God’s ever-living Message to men. Yes, our natural lives will fade as grass does when it becomes all brown and dry. All our greatness is like a flower that droops and falls; but the Word of the Lord will last forever…”

This does not imply being unambitious or not striving to excel. The issue arises when people put those goals ahead of God’s. Serving God and living our lives according to His will is our first priority.

1 Peter 2:2 (Living Bible) “Now that you realize how kind the Lord has been to you, put away all evil, deception, envy, and fraud. Long to grow up into the fullness of your salvation…”

I Found Him…watching a wild dandelion flower quickly bloom and wither away.

I Found Him...Rope

A rope consists of many smaller strands of fiber, when woven together, are much stronger than any one strand by itself. And a knot becomes even stronger as the two ends are pulled apart, the knot grows tighter.

People of God are undoubtedly the same. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:14 (NIV) “For the body is not made up of one part, but many.” The body of Christ is not one person, but all of us, working together toward the same goal. We are much stronger, when we work together in unity. Harmony depends on teamwork; and harmony is required to do God's will. As others try to pull us apart, let’s grow even tighter, focused together on God’s work.

Paul instructed the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV) “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there will be no divisions among you and that you will be perfectly united in mind and thought."

The divisiveness in our world, country, churches and families is indeed making us weak. It’s time that we join together as one, all pulling together, to accomplish the work that God has laid out for us. Together, we can! Single strands of fiber are weak, but woven together into a rope, is virtually unbreakable. So it is with us!

I Found Him…studying the small individual strands that make the rope so formidable.

I Found Him...Fish House

An old fish house stands vacant-once the site where thousands of pounds of river herring were processed each year. At its peak, over 13 million pounds of herring were harvested in North Carolina as they migrated inland from the ocean, making it one of the largest fresh water fisheries in the world. The herring population dropped dramatically in the late 1980’s due to over-fishing, habitat loss, and water quality degradation. As a result, it is now illegal to fish herrings in NC waters.

This represents another example of how man succumbs to greed and temptation. The fish were so abundant that the temptation of quick profits outweighed the long-term effects of over-fishing. A generation of herring fishermen no longer can fish them.

Temptations plague us all. James said in James 1:13-14 (NIV) “When tempted, no one should say ‘God is tempting me’. For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.”

Temptations start with a thought, then desire and greed. The place to stop temptation is at the first thought. Know that God wants us to overcome the devil’s desires and will help. Lean on God’s strength to resist temptation, pray for His help, His guidance and will power. Stand firm in doing what is right; not what may bring us short-term pleasure or greedy rewards.

I Found Him at an old abandoned fish house.

I Found Him-Great Egret Reflection

The majestically still marsh water reflects almost perfectly the image of a Great Egret as it slowly and meticulously looks for fish. The reflection is not real; it is only an image. If one tried to grab it, they would retrieve nothing but a handful of water. It is not what is appears.

We all have met people who try to project an image of themselves that is truly not who they are. External appearances do not always show what is in ones’ heart. Proverbs 27:19 (NIV) says it well: “As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man”.

What are our hearts reflecting? Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:19-24 (NIV) that our hearts should not be set on worldly treasures, but instead on heavenly treasures. Verse 21 states: “For where your treasure is, your heart will be also”. He summarizes His point in verse 24: “You cannot serve both God and money”.

What are our hearts reflecting? Think about Paul’s words in Galatians 2:6 “As for those who seemed to be important—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance…”.

What are our hearts reflecting? Faith is not about “smoke and mirrors”. Faith is not about an image that one projects. Faith is about what is in our hearts. Let your reflection be one of the Lord in your heart!

I Found Him…watching a beautiful Great Egret wade through the still waters.

Tundra Swans

Barnacles

To many, this picture is not interesting because it is not readily apparent what it is. It is not realistic. Others see that it is dried barnacles on a decaying tree limb and at least understand what it is. Yet others see the textures, shapes, patterns and actually perceive it as art. As is often said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Faith follows a similar pattern. Some incredulously read of a virgin birth and of a sinless man rising from the dead and think “impossible”. Others believe wholeheartedly that this is indeed the truth. Although not logical, real. It all depends on how one views life itself.

Jesus eluded to this when quoting Isaiah in Matthew 13:14-15 (NIV) “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes…”. He continued teaching the disciples in verses 15-16 “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. …many righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear and do not hear it”.

It boils down to faith. Can you see what is not visible, hear what is not audible, believe the unbelievable? Believers see more in life than is superficially apparent. They see the art.

I Found Him…in dried barnacles on a piece of driftwood.

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...Ten Vultures

I Found Him--Spanish Moss

Any guesses as to what this picture is? … It is an extreme close up shot of Spanish moss. This image reminds me of my life at times-a tangled mess. It also reminds me of churches and their apparent lack of direction.

Imagine several people on a row boat in the middle of the river. They all are rowing very hard, but in different directions. Where might the boat go? Its path may look similar to the moss. Now imagine that these same people chose a water tower on the distant shore and all rowed toward it, not working any harder; just now aligned and rowing toward a specific point.

So what is the “water tower” in our lives and in the church? Jesus answered this in Matthew 28:19 (NIV) “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”. Make disciples!

Many churches have drifted away from this basic command. They look like this Spanish moss; tangled, disorganized, and unfocused. In John 14:5-6 (NIV) Thomas asked Jesus a question that maybe we should be asking our church leaders “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. So how can we know the way? Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life…’”. Jesus is our water tower.

Untangle your lives, row toward the water tower, JESUS!

I Found Him…looking at the minute details of Spanish moss.

I Found Him-Spanish Moss

Any guesses as to what this picture is? … It is an extreme close up shot of Spanish moss. This image reminds me of my life at times-a tangled mess. It also reminds me of churches and their apparent lack of direction.

Imagine several people on a row boat in the middle of the river. They all are rowing very hard, but in different directions. Where might the boat go? Its path may look similar to the moss. Now imagine that these same people chose a water tower on the distant shore and all rowed toward it, not working any harder; just now aligned and rowing toward a specific point.

So what is the “water tower” in our lives and in the church? Jesus answered this in Matthew 28:19 (NIV) “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”. Make disciples!

Many churches have drifted away from this basic command. They look like this Spanish moss; tangled, disorganized, and unfocused. In John 14:5-6 (NIV) Thomas asked Jesus a question that maybe we should be asking our church leaders “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. So how can we know the way? Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life…’”. Jesus is our water tower.

Untangle your lives, row toward the water tower, JESUS!

I Found Him…looking at the minute details of Spanish moss.

I Found Him...Oregon Inlet Bridge

The 2.4 mile Herbert C. Bonner Bridge, which carries N.C. 12 over Oregon Inlet between Hatteras and Bodie Islands at the NC Outer Banks has long out-lived its designed life span and is being replaced with one that will better withstand its coastal environment.

It struck me as I watched the bridge construction, that it was being built from each shore and meeting in the middle. How exact the measurements must be with virtually no tolerance for deviation from the highly engineered plans. There can be no compromising from the plans. Being off only a small inch near the shore would create a huge variance near the center.

We too are faced with opportunities to compromise our Christian beliefs every day. It is certainly easy for us to be “off only an inch”. These small compromises often lead to bigger gaps between us and God. Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:13 (Living Bible) “for I can do everything that God asks with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power”. It is our responsibility to live lives as Jesus desires for us. To do so we must make up our minds how we will live every day. With Christ as our strength and as our blueprint, we can say no to even small compromises, guaranteeing that there will be no gap between us and the Lord when our “bridge” is completed.

I Found Him…in the gap of a beautiful new Oregon Inlet bridge.

I Found Him...Hood Ornament

Remember when cars had ornate hood ornaments that really served no functional purpose other than a status symbol? This is one from a Pontiac that currently resides in an old car junkyard.

There are many “Christians” who strive to be seen, but actually serve the Kingdom of God no more than hood ornaments serve cars. These hypocrites do irreparable harm to the cause of Christianity in that people see their ACTIONS and want no part of churches or religion, thinking that these represent all Christians.

Paul addresses this in Titus 1:16 (NIV) “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good”. John reinforces this in John 2:4&6 (NIV) “The man who says ‘I know Him but does not do what He commands is a liar’…Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did”.

The message seems clear. True Christians are not flashy nor do they try to be seen doing good deeds. It is about what is in our hearts, striving to be like Jesus, and pushing forward with humility and sincerity. Isaiah 29:13 “…These people come to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me”.

People of God, be more than a hood ornament, love God with your hearts and serve Him out of love, not for show. Thrive to be like Jesus.

I Found Him…on an abandoned Pontiac’s hood ornament.