A few months ago I started a new position in a new location from my prior job. It actually has shortened my commute and it is an easier drive as it is mostly a straight shot on the highway and then just two other fairly short roads to travel. Continue reading “DETOURS”
GOD-INCIDENTS
Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the “worldly” happenings and in our day-to-day chores—working, running the kids here and there, rushing to meetings, doing “church” things—that we tend to forget how near the Lord is and how He is working in our lives. Continue reading “GOD-INCIDENTS”
BATTLES
As I was watching my son get physical therapy, it made me stop and think about how all the people there were fighting their own personal battle with some type of physical ailment.
SIGNS OF HIS LOVE
It seems hard to believe it was about 25 years ago when I was standing in a cemetery, at the graves of my grandparents and great-aunt, and couldn’t help but be engulfed in the Lord’s presence— Continue reading “SIGNS OF HIS LOVE”
THE BEAUTY OF THE SUN
Have you ever looked at the sun when it is shining so gloriously and been so mesmerized by the sight?
Sunrise over Virginia Beach (my all time favorite picture!)
If you know me at all, you probably know that happens to me almost everyday that the sun is shining! Yes, I am forever taking pictures of the sun because it is just so beautiful and reminds me of the presence of the SON in our lives.
Continue reading “THE BEAUTY OF THE SUN”
CHRIST’S REFLECTION
As Christians, we have the responsibility and honor to reflect and be Christ to one another—no matter what our age, lot in life or condition.
When you look in the mirror, do you see Christ’s reflection in yourself?
Continue reading “CHRIST’S REFLECTION”
PRAYING LIKE JESUS
In researching some more Bible verses from my post last week about Jesus praying specifically for Simon, I found it interesting to reflect on some other people that Jesus prayed for.
Jesus first prays for Himself (John 17:1-5)
He prays for His original disciples (John 17:6-19)
Jesus prays for ALL believers! (John 17:2-26)
Continue reading “PRAYING LIKE JESUS”
JESUS’ PRAYER
In a recent Bible study I was doing, the Lord opened my eyes to see something that I had not noticed before. It is a simple thing but it made me stop and reflect on the specialness of it.
Luke 22:31-32 says, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you, as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” –(NIV)
Continue reading “JESUS’ PRAYER”
ENCOUNTERING GOD
What are some different ways that you encounter God’s presence on a daily basis?
Is it sometimes in the beauty of nature?
Is it sometimes in the people you interact with daily….like your family, coworkers, people from church?
Is it sometimes in the people you don’t know personally….like a cashier at the supermarket, waitress at the restaurant?
Is it in inspiring music or books?
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So often, I encounter God’s presence in some form of nature while soaking up the beauty of this world that God has created. One of the most powerful ways I encounter God is in beholding the glorious sunsets or sunrises. Seeing the many changes in the sun illuminating the sky brings me such peace and awe.
Sunrise at Virginia Beach, VA
It could be the big, puffy clouds making cool formations against the bright blue sky or the beauty of a hike leading to some waterfalls and amazing rock formations. Gazing at the mountains are a way to encounter God, as well as in the fall, walking down a trail where the leaves are all different shades of yellow, red or orange.
Chenango Valley State Park
When I was a child I remember the place I always encountered God’s presence was when I was at the ocean. Looking out at the vastness of the ocean waters, listening to the rhythm of the waves crashing back and forth, and seeing miles and miles of the seashore would just be so soothing to my soul. I remember praying to God seeking a oneness with Him at the ocean. It was always heartbreaking when it was time to leave and return home.
Marco Island, FL
Almost three years ago I was very blessed to encounter God in nature and do something I’ve never done before. The encounter with God unfolded this way:
A friend and I were spending one night at Virginia Beach while it was off season (thanks to Third Day for having a concert near there!) It was the first time either of us experienced the beauty of Virginia Beach.
Our hotel was right on the beach. Directly to the right of our hotel on the beach was a horse corral where you could ride a horse right along the beach. Now, I have never ridden a horse before, and was definitely scared to attempt it, but I thought since I sky dived before and survived to tell about it, then certainly I could ride a horse! Thankfully, my friend volunteered to go too because she knew I would want to!
It was also interesting to learn that this corral had actually just moved recently to this location! It was just too “coincidental” to find that out….kind of like God working it all out for us! And, they were only providing this entertainment for another few weeks.
Thankfully, the people gave us the two oldest horses….mine was 28 years old and I noticed his gray hair mixed in with his mane. I thought we were a perfect match! Thankfully, we didn’t really have to do much and we had a lead horse go with us….just in case!
I encountered God in nature on the return trip ride on my horse. My horse was going so slow on the way back that the others were a ways up ahead, but it was really the part where I encountered God in nature the most.
Horseback riding at Virginia Beach
There my horse and I were just trodding along, next to the ocean water. Though a little cool, the sun was high in the sky, beating down with its rays piercing my arm. Listening to the waves of the ocean beat back and forth were soothing, and seeing the seagulls fly around, some with their snack in tow, just made me encounter God.
I always have felt God’s presence whenever I’m at the ocean. My mind was thinking about what it must have been like in Jesus’ day, where they spent most of their time fishing for their food. I envisioned Jesus in a boat, calling His disciples to leave everything right there and follow Him.
Sunset at Marco Island, FL
It was a wonderful encounter with God reflecting on the beauty of nature and the power of Him in our lives. I was so thankful for the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and trust that I could ride a horse on the beach! I ended up encountering God!
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In what ways do you encounter God in your family, friends, coworkers, church friends?
For me, one way I encounter God in the people I know is when they ask me how they can pray for me. Truly praying for others and their needs is a blessing.
I remember encountering God in others when I had surgery or after having my children. People would bring food to our family since it was difficult to do those things at first.
Does a coworker ever offer to help you do a task that you don’t quite have time to finish?
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What about people that you observe in your daily life that maybe you don’t know personally who lead you to encounter God?
Recently a sister-in-law of mine posted a few examples of how she encountered God while running some errands….
…That cashier at Walmart that took time to mourn with a family who was on their way to their young nephew’s funeral.
…Some Target employees who noticed and helped a woman who was not coherent inside her running car.
…How about that car ahead of you who come to find out paid for your cup of coffee?
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Is there certain music you listen to or books that you read that lead you to encounter God?
Some members of Third Day whose music helps me encounter God
I know the last few years in my life that Christian music definitely leads me to encounter God. It is just so peaceful listening to certain songs especially while driving around or getting some exercise. For me, it can be great times of worship and singing to the Lord.
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It is always a blessing in my life to encounter God….even in the simple, little things! He is a great God and truly dwells in each of us and in all of nature. Seek Him and you will find Him!
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. –Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV)
PEACE
One of the greatest gifts that Jesus left us is the
Gift of Peace….
…..a peace that can bring us joy and comfort despite our circumstances in this life.
This peace is a special gift and blessing made available to us as we continually seek Him in our lives.
To possess His peace is awesome and makes all the difference in our lives.
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Did you ever notice that once Jesus, in His resurrected state and before He ascended into Heaven at Pentecost, visited the disciples, He addressed them with the greeting, “Peace”?
–On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” –John 20:19 (NIV)
–Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” –John 20:21 (NIV)
–A week later His disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” –John 20:26 (NIV)
My thought is that in these verses Jesus is preparing His disciples to experience true peace that only comes from Him, not from this world, when He sends the Holy Spirit to them after He ascends into Heaven.
Photo credit by Glenn Franco Simmons under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
–All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. –John 14:25-27 (NIV)
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The peace we possess should not be based on our circumstances nor on what others think of us.
Yes, we all have troubles in this world, but God’s peace is triumphant over it all.
So, the next time you have a day or week where everything seems to go wrong…
…the kids are all sick
…you get a flat tire at the most inopportune time
…you oversleep and are late for work
…you find out you have some disease….
I hope you dig down deep within and cling to that true peace that only God can provide. The peace that surpasses all understanding. It is His peace that sustains us even during the troubled, hard times as long as we cling to Him. We need to stay close to Him and trust in His ways.
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Do you ever feel God’s peace in this beautiful world that He created for us……..
Photo credit by Jim Mullhaupt under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
…in the beautiful sunset or rainbow that just took your breath away?
…in the sun rising slowly over the peaceful waters of the ocean?
These things remind me of the peace God offers that we can behold with our eyes.
Try each day to tap into that wonderful power of His peace!
Sunrise at Virginia Beach, VA
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:7 (NIV)