“Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes;
He arose a victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose!
He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!”
Words & Music: Robert Lowry 1874
Sand on Pine Needle
It is probably not a very good image if the photographer has to explain what it is, but I suspect that some explanation is needed here. Look closely to see tiny grains of sand on the tip of a pine needle. Looking from this vantage point allows for a very different perspective.
Consider the magnitude of the words of King David in Psalms 139:17-18: “How precious are your thoughts about me, O god. They cannot be numbered! I cannot even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me”. We cannot truly articulate or conceptualize the love that God has for us; more than ALL of the tiny grains of sand on earth.
Yes, God sees our imperfections, but He still has that many good thoughts about each of us. Why? Because we are His, He created us, and He has plans for us. He continuously works to transform us. His unconditional love is not based on our good works. Through faith, and our desire to please Him, we naturally find ways to serve Him with good deeds and behavior.
So when you see a miniscule grain of sand, consider that to be a sign of God having a good thought of you. Imagine an entire beach. Know that God loves you immeasurably; and that you are never alone.
I Found Him…on a grain of sand at the tip of a fallen pine needle.
I Found Him...Ten Turkey Vultures
I woke to this scene on a cold foggy morning this week; ten turkey vultures, highly visible against the grey sky. My first thought was that I hope that they do not know something that I don’t know and that they were waiting for me. After clearing my head of that thought, I recalled Jesus referring to vultures as He described His return.
Jesus warns His disciples in Matthew 24:4 (NIV) “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ’, and will deceive many”. Jesus continues in verses 27-28 “For as lighting that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather”. Many believe that these verses emphasize that when Jesus returns, it will be obvious—as obvious as these vultures in a tree.
So, be wary of preachers and the like claiming to predict the return of Christ. These folks are vultures. When He returns, you will know; it will be as obvious as lightning in the sky and vultures gathering in a tree. Be aware of the signs of His return, but do not let that distract you from joyfully anticipating it. Act faithfully every day as if Jesus is returning today; and live in total confidence that you are ready.
I Found Him…as vultures boldly perched in a nearby tree.
House in Ruins
Ruins of an old farm house stand rotting at the edge of the field that undoubtedly generations of farmers once tended. What happened to this family or why this once thriving home was abandoned is unknown to me. Certainly many factors, both preventable and not, caused the demise of this house.
The same can be said of people. Some seem to fall into the ruins of greed, jealousy, hate, and materialism. Paul explains inTitus1:10-11 (NIV) “For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, …. they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain.”
We all know people, preachers, politicians, and others who claim to be Christians, but whose actions shout a different story. They actually do harm in the name of Christianity. Paul warns these hypocrites in 1Timothy 1:4-7 “…These promote controversies rather than God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscious and sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm”.
False teachers and their followers are living on unsound foundations. Those who truly strive to know God, center their lives around Him, and work to please Him; prevail.
I Found Him…in an old, abandoned farm house.
Live Oak Tree
A massive Live Oak tree silently endures and thrives, generation after generation. This one, on private property in rural Hyde County, NC, has survived countless hurricanes that ravaged this coastal area and has even lived through a fire. It is estimated to be 475+/- years old.
As impressive as this ancient tree is, it pales in comparison to what Christians have endured (and survived) for more than 2,000 years. Paul instructs a young preacher, Timothy, to endure. He says in 2 Timothy 2: 9-10 (NIV) “This is my gospel for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” He further states in verse 12 “if we endure, we will also reign with Him”.
Just as the root system of this massive tree must be unbelievably strong, so is the foundation that is God. 2 Timothy 2:19 (NIV) “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm…” What hope Paul gives us! God withstands all problems, issues, hurdles, events; EVERYTHING that we face. His foundation is unbreakable. For us to build on that foundation requires one main ingredient: FAITH. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that we turn away from our worldly focus and indeed live for Him, enduring and thriving forever.
I Found Him…while admiring a gigantic old Oak tree.
I Found Him...Mary
In the small town of Nazareth, an ordinary teenage girl, Mary, was approached by an angel, Gabriel, saying “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High…” (Luke 1:31-32). Disturbed and troubled, she replied “How will this be since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34 NIV). The angel explained that nothing is impossible with God and that the son will be the Son of God. Mary answered: “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38 NIV).
This ordinary teenager from a tiny village was indeed extraordinary.
First, she understood God’s nature and was able to accept His Grace (“You are highly favored”) even though she knew that she was undeserving. Second, she was extraordinary because she was able to believe the unbelievable. She did not know how or why this virgin conception would occur, she simply had FAITH that it would. Third, Mary was willing to say “Yes” to God. (“May your words to me be fulfilled”).
God sent us a model to emulate-Mary. Will we accept His Grace, His forgiveness, and build a relationship with Him, even though we are undeserving? Will we believe the unbelievable? Will we say YES to God?
The Nike commercial years ago urged us to “Be like Mike”. Instead, we should “Be like Mary”.
I Found Him…admiring a stature of Mary holding the Christ Child.
Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! Today many take time to truly thank God for their food as well as their abundance of blessings; families, friends, community, church, and other God given gifts.
Most reading this have comfortable homes, nice clothes, reliable cars, clean water and plenty of food. We often take these blessings for granted. We forget that many in our community do not share these same conveniences. We eat without thinking of the hungry. We turn on the heat without thinking of those with no heat or even homes. We complain about undergoing chemotherapy without thinking of those who have untreatable cancer.
It is easy for us to forget how blessed we are, particularly on the 364 days of the year that are not Thanksgiving Day. Our challenge is to maintain an “Attitude of Gratitude” EVERYDAY and every waking hour. We are called to do so. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. Psalms 95:2 says: “Let us come before Him with thanksgiving, and extol Him with music and song”. Psalms 100:4 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name”.
By constantly praising and thanking God, all day and every day, we become closer to Him. As we grow closer to God, He changes our perspective, changes our attitude, and fills us with joy.
I Found Him …in a little girl’s smile.
I Found Him...Antique Barn
This 1920’s antique barn in eastern Beaufort County, NC still proudly stands and remains functional. Its wide planks, a rarity today, serve the building well just as it did almost one hundred years ago. The owner’s grandfather built the barn which now has been repurposed into a gift shop. In addition, the owner hand-makes absolutely beautiful wreaths from materials grown on the property; each one made to order by people who simply have heard about her and her products. Her success is not caused by a glitzy exterior in a mammoth shopping center, but instead by word-of-mouth proclaiming her beautiful work.
Is this not similar to Jesus’ style of spreading the gospel? Even though He was God Himself walking the earth, He did not build ostentatious cathedrals for people to hear Him preach. He relied on word-of-mouth as He journeyed from town to town proclaiming the radical new thoughts that defined His ministry. He did not even ride into town on big beautiful horses, but instead on the backs of donkeys.
He, just like His message, emphasized that it is not the exterior that matters, but what is on the inside, in one’s heart. Jesus says in Matthew 5:8 (NIV) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”.
He calls us to “repurpose” our lives (just like this barn), change what is on the inside, and spread the word to all.
I Found Him…in an unassuming antique barn.
I Found Him...Tankard's Chapel
No longer in use, Tankard’s Chapel in Beaufort County, NC is a well-maintained reminder of countless small rural church structures that have closed. Some congregations have moved to newer or bigger facilities, but more have simply died along with their aging membership. Each has its own story, but ultimately these churches lost their relevancy in the community.
Churches today, large and small, rural and urban face huge challenges. Attendance is in decline as generations are moving away from God, or at least from organized religion. Why? Many people much more scholarly and learned than me have tackled this question. One possible answer is that we are focused inwardly on members and the facilities; but not so much on the community. If your church closed today, how would it affect the COMMUNITY? For too many churches the answer is not much or virtually not at all.
When Jesus began to build His “church”, He recruited ordinary men to GO with Him. Matthew 4:19 (NIV) says “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men”. His evangelistic approach was intended to GO to where the people are; an outwardly focus. He said to “go and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:19. Imagine churches moving outside of their walls showing the lost, hungry and hurting what the love of Jesus Christ really means to THEM. I suspect that empty pews will be filled as the church becomes relevant.
I Found Him…in a beautiful historic empty church.
I Found Him...Bluebird Home
Just two days after erecting this bird house in the back yard, an eastern bluebird claimed it for his own. Together with his mate, they feverously built a comfortable nest inside in preparation for the soon to be house full of nestlings. They appear to be very happy with their newly found home.
The psalmist in Psalm 84 appears to be envious of the birds who have found a home. Verse 3 (NIV) states “Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near Your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God”.
Just as this psalmist, we too can learn from the actions of a sparrow, swallow, or a bluebird. The bluebird found a house because he looked for it; and he found a house that was all ready for him and his mate; they simply needed to claim it as their own and add the pine straw to meet their needs. We too have a beautiful home ready for us, a home with Jesus Christ. By claiming Him, through faith, we can make Him our very own. We can find peace, protection, freedom from care and sorrow, and pure joy at the altar of God; by looking for it and accepting Him. “Blessed are those that dwell in Your house…” Psalm 84:4 (NIV).
I Found Him…watching bluebirds claim their home and prepare it as their own.
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.