Psalm 91:2-4
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
We enter another season of Thanksgiving, overeating with family and friends, feasting on turkey and all the fixings. It is also a time that we give thanks. Giving thanks is not reserved only for Thanksgiving Day, however. The Bible teaches us to live a life of thanksgiving.
Paul writes in Colossians 3:15 (NIV) “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful”. It is a way of life! It is an Attitude of Gratitude.
Hebrews 12:28 (NIV) states: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe”. Again—an ATTITUDE of Gratitude.
Paul states in Colossians 2:7 (NIV) “…continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness”. “Overflowing” does not imply one-day only, it implies every day, every hour, every minute.
So, as we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, grateful that we are once again able to gather with family and friends, let us rededicate ourselves to a new level of thankfulness. One that exists not only for one day in November, but every day. Let gratitude define who we are and how we act. Let our new Attitude of Gratitude shine brightly on all that we encounter, every day.
I Found Him in a field of wild turkeys.
A weathered door lock still functions on the often-painted front door of an historic church in Hyde County, NC. Generations of worshippers have entered this sanctuary via this very door; offering gratitude, worshipping, seeking hope, searching for direction.
As I reflected on this door’s history, I realized that God will open doors for those who seek Him. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 2:12 (NIV) “…the Lord had opened a door for me…”. Matthew 7:7 (NIV) states: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you…”.
Note the action verbs: Ask; Seek; Knock. God loves us. He guides us. He offers us grace. He also expects us to do our part. We must ask, seek, and knock. It is then that He will “open the door” to possibilities.
Jesus himself says in Revelations 3:20 (NIV): “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…”.
Listen, Jesus is knocking on our doors. There are many opportunities for us, for a better life, for peace, for joy, for contentment, for everlasting life. There are avenues to serve, to allow God in. It is up to us to turn the knob, to open the door, and enter into a relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ.
I Found Him…as I placed my hand on an historic door lock as thousands have done before me.
A Lifeguard Station, built tall so that courageous lifeguards can watch over us as we enjoy the cool, salty waves of the ocean on sweltering summer days. The ocean is indeed a fun place to play; but it is not without its dangers. We are tempted to float out too deep, ignore undertows, fight over-powering waves. It’s easy to get into trouble if we are not extremely vigilant. Lifeguards help us define the boundaries that we best not cross.
Is this not similar to our everyday lives as we face temptations, dangers, and the unknown? For believers, we have a “Lifeguard” with us always. Psalms 18:1-2 (NIV) states: “... The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; … in whom I take refuge, …”.
Also encouraging are the words from 1 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV): “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
As we enjoy life, as God intends, we sometimes push the limits, fall to temptations, and tread in waters not easily navigable. Just as a lifeguard guides us, sets limits, and pulls us out of trouble, so does God. Remember this, from 1 Corinthians 10:13: “ ... And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can hear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it”.
I Found Him…at a lifeguard station in Wrightsville Beach, NC
As I held this 7-pound bundle of joy, my first grandchild, a boy, my mind raced. First, “Thank you, thank you, thank you God!” Next, I considered how totally dependent he is; what his life will encounter; how unimaginable technology will be normal; how pure and innocent he is, and how the world will influence him, and how sin will creep into his life. I pondered how his parents could wrap him in a protective shield, realizing of course that that is not possible. I thought about his mom’s sacrifice by providing him breast milk every three hours, and his dad’s willingness to take a turn at 3:00 AM. I lovingly held him literally three hours at a time with excitement, fear, joy, and concern. This helpless, totally dependent child, growing a little every day, is so fortunate to be born into a loving family who cares and will sacrifice for him.
We too are totally dependent, for us, on God; a God that sacrificed for us on the cross. 1Peter 2:2 instructs: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation”. Without God we flounder. Psalm 62:7 (NIV) teaches: “My salvation and my honor depend on God, He is my mighty rock, my refuge”.
I pray from Psalm 61:7 (NIV) “May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint Your love and faithfulness to protect him”.
I Found Him in the eyes of a beautiful baby boy.
A tree apparently was wrapped in some aggressive vines early on that relentlessly tightened its grip onto the trunk as the tree grew. The tree’s resilience and adaptability showed as it continues to grow, it persevered despite an obstacle literally choking it.
As is often the case, nature provides great lessons for us in our lives. Paul writes in Romans 5:3-4 (NIV): “…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope”. Just as this tree amazes me with its perseverance, so do so many people who suffer. Many people are suffering today; some with illnesses, some with a loss of a job, others with depression or mourning, and others know that they are living the last chapter in their earthly lives. Yet whatever their circumstances, those that have an unwavering love for and belief in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, exhibits the perseverance, character, and hope that is inspiring. They follow the example that Jesus set for us on the cross: endure, press on, persevere!
The Bible has numerous references to those who suffer and yet keep the faith and are rewarded. James 1:2-3 (NIV) for example says: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance”.
Just as this tree never gave up, neither should we. Trust God!
I Found Him…with a tree that would not give in.
A sweetgum ball hangs precariously from a branch in the woods as if it is “hanging on by a thread”. Any rain, or wind, or squirrel running along the branch will knock it down.
There are many people today who feel as if they are “hanging by a thread”.
In times of despair and hopelessness, when I am “hanging from a thread” and simply cannot take even one more problem; not one more task, not another setback, not more bad news, nothing--I am often drawn to Psalm 34 (NIV). Verse 4: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from my fears”. Verse 17-19: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all”.
2020 has been a particularly stressful year. For many it is a time to question God, question His existence, ask “why Lord?”, and to turn away from Him. This only tightens the downward spiral. What these times truly call for is praise to God, FAITH, and leaning on His broad shoulders. On our own, tough times get tougher. With God, we can and will endure. Emmanuel, God is with us!
I Found Him…as a sweetgum ball inexplicitly hangs on to a branch.
I recently was taken back by the beauty of a decorative cabbage plant growing in my backyard. I chuckled as I thought about all the travel plans cancelled this year due to the coronavirus; only to find such beauty in my own yard. I thought about the book “Acres of Diamonds” by Russell H. Conwell, written over a century ago which chronicles a wealthy and contented man who had heard about diamonds and their value. He sold his farm and took off to foreign lands in search of diamonds. He did not find any, lost his wealth, and died a pauper. Ironically, the buyer of his farm discovered diamonds, acres of diamonds, on the newly acquired farm.
Even though we dream of far away places to find fortune, love, happiness, and contentment, all those dreams are often available right where we are.
Jesus’s parable of the prodigal son is recorded in Luke 15. One son took his family inheritance, went to far-away places seeking happiness. After squandering all of the money, he came home and was welcomed back by his dad. Although many lessons can be derived from this story, one is that what he was seeking was available at home the entire time, he just did not appreciate it.
There are indeed “Acres if Diamonds” in our own backyards if we will only stop, look, and thank God for all our blessings.
I Found Him…in a beautiful cabbage plant in my own backyard.
A pile of bricks, haphazardly thrown together, does not serve any real purpose. A single brick by itself offers little. When they are stacked together, however, in an overlapping pattern, joined with mortar, each brick plays a vital role in building a structure that can last generations. No two bricks are exactly alike, but each is important.
We too are stronger together. Just as one brick is supported by those below, we are supported by others who hold us up when we feel like crumbling. Ecclesiastes 9-12 (NIV) teaches: “Two are better than one…If either of them falls down, one can help the other up…Also, if two lie down together they will keep warm…A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”.
Life is tough. We face challenges: the coronavirus, political divide, friends and family are suffering and dying, people are out of work. Church attendance is dwindling (even before Covid) at a time when we need the strength and support of a strong faith community more than ever. So, what do we do? Be a brick that supports another one. Be a friend. Reach out to family. Reach out to strangers. Encourage others. Together we are stronger.
The mortar that holds us together is our shared love for our Lord Jesus Christ. As written in Romans 12:5 (NIV) “so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others”.
Be a brick!
I Found Him…in a pile of deserted bricks.
Lights illuminate a fishing pier in the predawn hours giving fishermen a clear path to their fishing destination. It reveals to them any obstacles in the way, allowing for a safe walk on the pier.
When Jesus walked on Earth, He proclaimed that He was indeed the “light of the world” (John 8:12 NIV) and that “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”. He said this as an indirect way of informing them that He was deity.
John explains in John 3:19-21 (NIV) “ …Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed”. , John writes in 1 John 1:5 “…God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all”. Light represents what is good, true, and holy and darkness represents what is evil.
Our challenge is to walk in the light where we can see and not fall over devil-set traps in darkness. Just as the lights on this pier show us the way, Jesus is our light 24/7. He shines the light of love and kindness on our path. Avoid the dark trails where the devil lurks and follow the brightly lit one, praising God every step of the way.
I Found Him…walking on a coastal fishing pier, guided by the brightly shining lights.
I had the honor of meeting some hard-working people as they graded shrimp fresh off a trawler. They stand on a concrete floor and separate shrimp by size for hours. I left that place smiling due to these amazing people, laughing and accepting a stranger with a camera.
In reminiscing this uplifting day, I am reminded of the scripture from Ecclesiastes 5:18 & 20 (NIV): “This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. …They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.”
Many folks are struggling: health challenges, work issues, relationship problems, depression, addiction, hunger, and more. Take comfort-- there is an answer. There is hope. It boils down to attitude. Do we decide to wallow in our miseries or to have a happy heart? Help awaits those who ask—God Almighty. Know that peace and joy is yours when you truly accept Jesus.
The lyrics from A. Walker’s old hymn seem appropriate: “Sometimes, though my way, it gets so dreary, dark and cold…But I can just go to God in prayer. I know, I can find Him there to whisper hey, hey ,hey, hey sweet peace my soul”.
I Found Him…with smiling faces in a shrimp processing facility.
The Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, NC is more than a local general mercantile store serving mountain folk in North Carolina since 1883; it is also an iconic destination for tourists. It originally carried everything from “cradles to caskets”, including milk, bread, cast iron, feed, chicken scratch, mouse traps, locally made bonnets, berry baskets, overalls, and much more. When a young couple bought the store in 1979, they reinvented the store, maintaining the original flavor while utilizing modern management tools. It has succeeded in large part because of the “feeling” that people have when they leisurely shop the store. It often-times brings back wonderful memories of childhoods, grandparents, hometowns, or maybe just simpler times. An 1883 style of friendly, helpful staff remains. The owners brilliantly highlighted nostalgia while using modern tools to manage, market, and promote the store.
Is this not a lesson for many churches today? Can we not utilize modern technology, tools and methods while honoring past traditions and remain focused on the mission that Jesus clearly instructed 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”?
The mission remains the same, how we achieve it is changing.
Just like the Mast Store, church traditions can be revered while utilizing new, modern tools and techniques to “make disciples”. It is time for a brain-storming session!
I Found Him…reminiscing in the Mast Store.
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Jeremiah was a bullfrog
Was a good friend of mine…
Singin' joy to the world
All the boys and girls now
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me
Although the whimsical lyrics to this 1970’s hit by the Three Dog Night were probably only meant to be fun and even a little silly, they may indeed have real meaning for us. One interpretation is that the bullfrog represents the prophet Jeremiah from the Bible, and that the song represents God's desire to unite all people in happiness.
This may be a stretch, but the song still can give us hope in these troubling times.
How? Acts 16 describes how the jailer of Paul and Silas became suicidal when he thought that they had escaped. Paul and Silas did not escape, however, but instead “spoke the word of the Lord to him” (the jailer). Acts 16:34 sums up the story: “The jailer brought them into the house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God…”. He was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God.
Jesus says it this way as recorded in John 15:10-11: “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love…I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete”.
Joy to the World!
I Found Him…with a bullfrog in a ditch.