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.

I Found Him...Fog

An eerie fog crept over the creek rendering it virtually unpassable. Boaters simply could not see through the fog to navigate their boats. Buoys, landmarks, and other means of determining a direction were not visible. Potential dangers and obstacles, posing significant risks lurked in the fog.

I suspect that many of us find ourselves stuck in the “fog” from time to time. We cannot see a direction for our lives or understand God’s plan for us. We cannot see obstacles that the devil presents. We are lost!

The Bible has many references to such a state. Luke 15:24 (NIV), for example, referring to the parable of the lost son, says “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and found…”.

Just as it is dangerous to navigate a boat in the heavy fog, it is also dangerous navigating our lives without direction. What a comfort it is to know that “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost”. Luke 19:10 (NIV).

Just as God eventually lifted the fog from the creek, so can He lift us out of our personal “fogs”. The prophet Isaiah says it well in Isaiah 48:17 (NIV) “I am the Lord your God…who directs you in the way you should go”. When you find yourself lost, without direction, in a “fog”; look to the Lord for direction. He is waiting for you!

I Found Him…in a dreary fog over the creek.

I Found Him-Sunrise at OBX

A beautiful sunrise at the North Carolina Outer Banks offers new opportunities, new adventures, second chances, and the excitement for another day. Here it seems to hide behind a strand of sea oats

All of us at times allow “sea oats” to grow in our lives, blocking the opportunities that God provides to those who focus on him. Paul explains in Titus 3:3-4 (NIV) “At one time we were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us…”. We oftentimes get hung up in the weeds in our hectic lives and fail to slow down long enough to realize what God is indeed offering to those who put God first. There is a beautiful sunrise for those who step out of the weeds and look.

John assures us in 1 John 5:3-4 (NIV) “This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world…” Certainly John is not saying that our burdens are light, but that the Holy Spirit dwells in believers and gives them strength.

Put your trust in God; submit to Him in everything, remove the weeds. A beautiful new day awaits.

I Found Him…during a spectacular sunrise at the Outer Banks.

Cotton Boll

Raw cotton undergoes an amazing transformation process. The cotton bolls (outer casing) and seeds are removed at a cotton gin; fibers are then combed to remove impurities; followed by “pulling” it into thin strands and “spun” into yarn. Finally, the cotton is woven into a fabric which will eventually be apparel, bedding, rope, and others.

We too can be transformed if we allow God to take control of the process. Paul says in Philippians 3:21 (NIV) “who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body”.

Many people believe that they can handle life on their own, that they do not need God, they do not see a need to be transformed. These people simply conform to society and struggle to find meaning and purpose in their lives. They simply do not understand the power of the love of Christ. Paul instructs us, however, in Romans 12:2 (NIV): “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”.

So just as raw cotton is not very useful until processed; we too need “processing”. Allow God into your lives; allow Him to transform you so that you too may enjoy the peace, comfort, and joy of living a life based on faith. The end product is indeed beautiful.

I Found Him…in a cotton field ready for harvesting.

I Found Him...Deteriorating House

A once beautiful house deteriorates due to a lack of routine maintenance. Left unprotected, the house simply cannot withstand the beatings that it takes from rain, wind, sunlight and other forces. Unless something is done, it will fall into a state whereby it cannot be recovered. It needs to be revived!

Is this not like many of us who are static in our faith? A “walk” with Jesus implies constant movement. We too need “maintenance” to keep from deteriorating spiritually. Church attendance, Bible study, participation in Christian small groups, seeking out and helping those in need, prayer, and striving to live like Jesus provide maintenance to our lives.

John says in 2 John 4 (NIV) “It has given me great joy to find some of you walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us”. The action word “walking” implies that we need to continuously move, grow, and strive to be Christ-like. Being revived often ensures that the devil does not eat away at our defenses. As we seek to obey God, we are revived. Psalms 19:7 (NIV) assures us: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving our soul”. By praying the prayer written in Psalms 85:6 “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you”; we set our minds to moving toward Him. Never static, but constantly striving to grow closer to God revives us daily.

I Found Him…in a beautiful, but abandoned and deteriorating house.

I Found Him...Squirrel Jumping

I stood early one morning in a field in the NC mountains where elk had been known to feed hoping to photograph one. While I waited on this wonderfully cool August morning, I saw a wild turkey in the tall grass, a bee feverishly working on abundant wild flowers, and a couple of playful squirrels running back and forth on an old fence. Yet I stood there frustrated because I had not seen an elk. What a wasted morning, I thought. It finally hit me that I was missing great opportunities because I was too focused on photographing an elk. I really should have embraced the moment.

            God wants us to not just live, but to live life fully with joy every day. Jesus says in John 10:10 (NIV) “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”.

            Many are so focused on the daily chores of life that they do not see or experience the beautiful joys that God presents along the way. We are too busy; always waiting for “an elk”, our vacation, the next holiday, retirement, or whatever to enjoy life. God wants us to appreciate, love, and embrace the journey. The Bible says in Proverbs 17:22 that “a happy heart is good medicine ….” 

            So slow down, breathe deeply, laugh, love, and serve God by appreciating each day; embracing each blessing received from God.  

            I Found Him…watching a squirrel play along an old wooden fence.

I Found Him-Clary Sage

Travelers through northeastern North Carolina are amazed to see beautiful tall spears of lavender and white flowers filling the rural landscape. The oil from this unusual crop, clary sage, allows perfume, cologne and other fragrances to last longer. Except for this one corner in northeastern North Carolina, clary sage is grown only in France and China. Since it is used for perfume, my preconceived idea of its fragrance was shattered when I broke off a flower and smelled it. In addition to being almost repulsive, I could not get the aroma off of my hands. It was not what I expected at all!

Jesus warns us many times that some people are not what they appear. In Matthew 7:15 (NIV) for example, Jesus says to “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves”. And in 2 Peter 2:1, Simon Peter says “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you…”.

David described our challenge in his prayer in Psalms 26:4-5: “I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites. I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked”.

Be careful, things are not always as they appear. Trust that God will help you see through hypocrisy and lead you to a life that is truly God centered.

I Found Him…in a gorgeous field of foul smelling clary sage.

I Found Him...

            The farmer that planted these beautiful sunflowers planted them in three different sections. Those in the first section are wilting away; the second (from which this picture was taken) are now in full bloom and standing tall; the third are just now beginning to bloom. This simply is the natural cycle of flowers.

            This analogy is used in the Bible to impress upon us the steadfastness of God’s love; that it is not cyclical but stands tall, always. 1 Peter 1:24-25 (NIV) says “All men are like grass, and their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever”.

            What comfort that provides in these rapidly changing times. Cultures change, views of the world change, worldly views of morals change; but the word of the Lord does not. It remains our lighthouse, our beacon of light, our compass. New norms stand tall for a while but eventually fade, replaced by a new generation of “truths”. Truly, though, there is only one set of truths, which never withers, never falls. The word of the Lord stands tall.

            Psalms 103:14-18 (Living Bible) says it well: “For He knows we are but dust, and that our days are few and brief, like grass, like flowers, blown by the wind and gone forever. But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting, to those who reverence Him…”

            I Found Him…in a glorious field of sunflowers.

I Found Him-Old Deserted Car

An old car sits, static, no longer moving forward, no longer moving at all. So weeds start to grow in and around it and eventually even trees, rendering this car dead for evermore.

            We too need to keep moving; moving in our faith journey. As we stop attending church, stop Bible studies, stop praying, and stop worshipping, we too become static allowing the “weeds” of the devil to take root. Eventually, we allow the devil to grow in us to the point that we too are dead—maybe not physically, but spiritually.

            In his letter to the Philippians, Paul encourages the people to continue to move forward, not to stop. Philippians 2:12-14 (NIV) “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing…”.

            Our faith journey is a never-ending one that needs continual maintenance. Someone obviously gave up on this old car and discontinued all maintenance. We cannot let this happen to us. Associating with believers, attending small group sessions, performing acts of kindness, and striving to live a Godly life helps us to move forward, not become static or indifferent to God’s will. It helps us to live and to grow in faith.

            I Found Him…in an old deserted car.

I Found Him-Woodpecker

            Pileated woodpeckers feed their nestlings insects, fruits, and nuts; usually by regurgitation. These hungry nestlings cry out and in this case the father responds appropriately.

            There are countless people in our communities who also are “crying out”; hungry, sick, depressed, lonely, lost, hopeless, and faithless. Are we, as God’s people, responding appropriately?

            Jesus said to the righteous in Matthew 25:35-37 (NIV) “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me”. His puzzled audience asked when they had done this for Him; and Jesus answered (Matthew 25:40) “ …whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”.

            The nestlings in this image were not readily seen. I sat below their nest for a long time before they peeked out and started crying for food. Had a good friend not informed me of their presence, I never would have seen them. I suspect that if we are not intentionally looking, we also will miss opportunities to help those in our communities.

            Let’s find those in need and act appropriately; and look at these people not with pity, but as if each one of them is Jesus Himself.

            I Found Him…watching hungry woodpeckers cry out.

I Found Him-Dandelion

The puff ball of a common dandelion consists of a large number of fruit called achenes. The disk-like extensions of the seed act like parachutes, allowing the wind to fly them up to five miles before landing.

In this picture, a couple of seeds are breaking away from the puff ball, venturing out on their own. This image invokes several contrasting thoughts; one of which reminds me of the parable of the Lost Sheep. Matthew 18:12 (NIV) “…a man owns a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?”

The “Lost Sheep” in this parable of Jesus refers to believers who have wandered away from God.  Although only God knows what is in another’s heart, it is our responsibility to seek out, care for, and encourage those not following Christ. As we find these “seeds that fly away from the puff ball”, God uses us to invite, encourage, and guide them back into a relationship with Him. It is through their repentance and reconciliation with God that they can live for His Glory and reap the joy of God’s love.

And also with you. As you feel yourself straying from God, seek help and comfort from Christians willing to wrap you in God’s love. Accept their invitations, change your direction, and say yes to God.

I Found Him, as a couple of seeds left a dandelion puff ball.