Tuesday, June 08, 2010

THE HATED "A" WORD - ACCOUNTABILITY!


Proverbs 27:17 says this, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man (person) sharpens another." Last week there was a request to blog on this verse so here we go. In America we find ourselves in a very individualistic culture where "it's all about me", "leave me alone", "it's none of your business". Well, I beg to differ. As Christians, my business is your business and vice versa which then gives us license to hold each other accountable. Now as you all know, that can get a little dicey from time to time because accountability can be perceived as judgmental which then leads to arguments, fighting, even a break in relationship. Yes, there are times when we do become judgmental and that is not healthy. But, there is nothing wrong with a good face to face "discussion" when there is cause for concern. We owe that to each other if we really love and care for each other.


If you notice the picture above, there is a hammer, there is some serious heat, and there will be some reshaping that will take place. The very fact that the words "iron sharpens iron" are used implies some pain, some grunt and groan, some "ouches". But, the intent is to becomer sharp, to grow in maturity, to acknowledge some areas of fault that need to be ground away to become smooth. And often it takes someone to bring that to our attention, or for us to bring it to someone else's attention. That's the accountability that we have to each other as Christians and once we submit ourselves to that, we find that we really do grow and become sharper that we might be used by God in a more efficient way.


I've been involved in some pretty good battles over the years. There has been the sound of iron clashing against iron at times. At times, it has been very productive. At times, well let's just say that either I or the other person(s) chose not to be sharpened. The problem comes when we don't learn from it. I've always said that some of my greatest fights (accountability moments)were with my brother Randy. But he's part of my family and I still love him and will go to bat for him any day. The same holds true with those who I've sharpened a little steel with in the past. And yes, I still care deeply for each of them.


The bottom line is we need each other. It's Jesus' idea that we are to be the "body" of Christ, not the "body part". It's no fun to give yourself a hug - it takes two. And it takes each one of us to be there for one another and yes, hold each one of us accountable. In doing so we become sharp together. Get the point??

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

PRIORITIES!

Okay, in the latest newsletter I challenged the congregation to be careful of vacationing from church this summer. Not to avoid a vacation from work, but from taking time away from gathering together as brothers and sisters in worship. So often people see summer as a time to worship when it is convenient for them as opposed to making it a priority to set time aside to "bend the knee" before the Creator of the universe. A priority is understood as anything that takes precendence over something else because it is deemed as more important (my definition). Unfortunately, worship often takes a back seat to the many activities that take place during the summer - sports, going to the lake, camping, yard work, or just plain sleeping in.


Now, before you get upset with what I am about to say, hear me out. I love sports. My boys played in sports in junior high, high school, and college. But in the same breath, I hate sports because of what its done to our kids. It has gone from a once in a blue moon game on Sundays to an every weekend affair - basketball, football, baseball, soccer, you name it. And the age of the kids playing are younger and younger each year. Sadly, the church has quietly watched as the once "sacred Sunday morning" has given way to the "I've got a game this Sunday" mindset. And because the church has failed to say that worshiping the Lord together is a priority, the children come under the belief that going to church is "what we do when there is nothing else going on". And then we wonder why the youth have no concept of God's love, his mercy, his justice, his grace, his forgiveness, his call to obedience. It's because our priorities are skewed.


I am not naive enough to believe that a ball game on a Sunday will cost a person his/her salvation. What I am talking about is placing God first in our lives and taking a stand, even if "all the other kids do it". I just know that my oldest son was on a Legion team and other teams in high school and after high school. But the coaches knew that Sunday mornings he would be in worship and then would join them later. (Yes, there were some times he was gone). The coaches knew up front that church was important and they honored that decision. I realize that not every coach or manager would be as gracious, but priorities are priorities, no matter how others perceive them.


Like I said before, I love sports, I love fishing, camping, things like that. But I love the Lord more than all of these. I know that one day I will stand before the Lord and be held accountable. I also know that the only thing that will matter will be my relationship with him through faith in Jesus. I yearn for him to say "well done, good and faithful servant" which would reflect my priority of making Jesus Lord of my life. It won't be my batting average, how big a fish I caught, how well I water ski, or how well I can kick a ball. It will be about relationship with Christ and whether I responded in obedience to his call to "worship him in spirit and in truth".


Ah yes, priorities. What say you?

Monday, May 31, 2010

NEEDED- COMMENTS!!!

Okay, here's the deal. I started a blog 3 different times tonight and ended up deleting each one. So, it's up to you. You choose the topic. I'll blog. it's that simple. So click on the "comments" below. Write your thoughts. Give it time to post and then I'll respond.


As my grandpa would say, 'Praise the Lord, anyhow!"

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

NEXT WEEK!

Sorry folks - no blog this week. Annual Conference in Salina. I shall return!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

ANOTHER STEP


It's that time again - graduation. Another step, moving from one stage of life to another. Yesterday, Mulvane held its commencement exercises in the morning in the auditorium due to the rain. But the seniors graduated, nonetheless. Congrats! My nephew Evan's graduation party was in Hillsboro in the afternoon so we went and helped him celebrate (along with a bunch of family and friends). Had a great time. Next weekend we will be in Leoti on Saturday to see a bunch of the kids graduate whom I had the privilege to pastor (baptize and confirm, too) while out west. Looking forward to it. On Sunday afternoon we will head to El Dorado for my other nephew's (Adam) graduation. Fun times.

It's been a lot of fun to see many of these kids grow up, both as family and as friends. The greatest joy is to see how many of them have grown in their faith in Jesus Christ. And I'm so proud to have been a part of their lives in one way or another. Yesterday, at Evan's party there was a picture of me baptizing him down at the creek near his house. How cool was that? And watching and being with many of the kids in both their victories and their struggles, especially as it pertained to the faith, has been such a blessing.

So to all you graduates, congratulations! And cling to the words found in Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight".

Monday, May 10, 2010

NOT TO US O LORD!



One of my favorite verses in Scripture has to do with worship and our submission to God. It comes from Psalm 115:1 - "Not to us O Lord, not to us but to your name be glory....".


  • I've been thinking a lot about worship lately and am convinced that too often we in the church have it backwards. We go to church with the mindset that it's all about us. The time we go to church is often based upon personal preference. We attend 'traditional" or "contemporary" or "blended" services because it's what "we" like best. Many times the music chosen is geared more for the musicians, the band, the singers (soloists or large choirs) than how it might lead someone into the Holy of Holies where one can experience the living God. The tendency to think that music is what defines worship misses the point. Now don't get me wrong, I love music - all kinds. But it is only one means of leading people to "experiencing God". It is not the end, just a means. The prelude, the call to worship, the prayers, the giving of tithes and offerings, the children's time, the preached Word and response to it, the lighting of the candles, the reading of the Word, the times of joys and concerns - all of these and more are part of worship and all are intended to take our eyes off of self and focus on God's face that we might enjoy and experience His magnificent presence.

  • That's why the verse from Psalm 115 speaks so loudly to me - "The glory, the honor, the focus, the attention, the majesty is not about us, it is not to be directed to us, but to "You" O Lord. It is to 'Your" name that all glory is to be given". That's what our worship is to be about - ascribing all that we are and all who we are to the One who is worthy. Like the song - "Thou art worthy, thou art worthy, thou art worthy O Lord. To receive glory, glory and honor, glory and honor and power." If we could just take our eyes off of ourselves, fix our eyes upon Jesus, submit to Him and offer Him all of ourselves and not be so worried about what others might be thinking of us, then we might be able to "taste and see that the Lord is good".

  • Those of you who know me know how important the flow of worship is to me. It's just like traffic. You don't drive 20 mph in a 7o mph zone or vice-versa. The flow has to be right or it becomes an accident waiting to happen. The same holds true for worship. If we approach worship in a haphazard way, it is an accident waiting to happen because the focus is wrong and we end up quenching the Spirit. Oh that we would not quench the Spirit! Forgive us Lord when we do!

  • For you who might be reading this blog, no matter where you are from, I urge you to check your heart as it pertains to worship - both in your individual setting as well as your corporate (church) setting. Is it about you, your likes, dislikes, preferences, habits, traditions, etc.? If so, can you honestly say you have experienced the living and holy God in your life? I would challenge and encourage you (and me) to 'lay it down", to offer the totality of ourselves to the One who has given the totality of Himself to us through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son Jesus. As we do so, let us all cry out together "Not to us O Lord, not to us but to Your name be glory!"



Monday, May 03, 2010

A "GRAND(DADDY) DAY"

Sunday I had the privilege to dedicate my granddaughter to the Lord in our 10:45 worship service. Adelyn, daughter of my middle son Eric and wife Andrea, was as cute as can be as she entertained the congregation realizing that she might as well take advantage of an audience that was watching her every move. Addy tried to eat the microphone while Eric was sharing his and Andrea's desire to raise her in the Christian faith and in a Christian home. And after the prayer of dedication, she hammed it up for all who would pay attention. I must say that I am extremely blessed to have Christian children who yearn for "their" children to be followers of Jesus Christ. My boys are Christian. Their wives are Christian (well, Kyle is not yet married but you can be sure she will be a Christian), and now our grandchildren are growing up in the faith. What a joy! ML and I are so proud of our family and thank God daily for each one of their lives. ML - Todd, Melissa, Owen, Aubryn - Eric, Andrea, Brayden, and Adelyn, and Kyle - I love you all!



Addy and Gramps during her dedication service.




Brayden helping Gramps. Isn't he handsome?


Monday, April 26, 2010

CONFIRMED!!


Wow, what a great celebration (233 in attendence) we had yesterday during the 9:30 worship service as 17 of our young men and women were confirmed (3 were also baptized) and took the vows of membership to join the Mulvane UMC. I am very proud of these kids as they worked hard in class for these past 13 weeks, doing weekly homework, learning Scripture verses, learning the books of the Bible, memorizing the Apostle's creed, and growing in their understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. It was a great time together!
I want to thank Kit for assisting me each week and also all the mentors who attended the class and met individually with the kids. Your help was invaluable. Also thanks to those who provided meals each week. Great stuff. And of course, thanks to the parents for your support as well.
It was such a joy to see God work in the lives of these youth these past several months. And then to see God do His thing during our worship time yesterday - wow! It was awesome!! So congratulations to the youth. May God bless you and grow you into the spiritually mature men and women He wants you to be.
Those baptized and confirmed:
Lizzy Hampton
Mitchell Parsons
Keely Rocha
Those also confirmed:
Bryant Belden
Austin Bell
Jordan Boden
Jordan Craft
Taylor Cusick
Shelby Endres
Taylor Heersche
Zach May
KaSandra Melick
Olivia Naccarato
Patrick Osner
Alicia Riley
Amber Warne
Emily Westfall

Monday, April 19, 2010

BE STILL!

I know you can't believe this but I have a little trouble sitting still. I'm what might be known as a type-A kind of guy, a little on the extroverted side. But this afternoon I took a little time to "stop and smell the roses". I took a couple of hours to try out the lawn furniture near the front door and enjoyed the beautiful day that God created (a little reading, a little praying, a lot of loafing). In fact, I'm still sitting outside marveling at how gorgeous a day it is - no wind, no mosquitos, sunny, beautiful trees, and birds singing all around me. Absolutley incredible! It's been awhile since I've been able to slow down and enjoy a day like this and I didn't want to miss out.


A verse that comes to mind is from Psalm 46:10 that says this, "Be still and know that I am God". I am once again reminded that I miss out on experiencing God or feeling His presence because I am always on the go. The bottom line - when I am too busy going here and going there, doing this and doing that, I miss out on God. Not good! I don't want to miss out. And I don't think you want to miss out either.


So why not take a moment to stop what you are doing, quiet yourself, and focus on God. I tried to link a song by Stephen Curtis Chapman to this blog but for some reason it failed. So if you'd like, google "Be Still" by Chapman and meditate on the words of the song. It will do your heart good. Shhhh........

Monday, April 12, 2010

AND THEN THERE WERE FOUR!

If you havn't heard, God blessed us with our 4th grandchild this past week. Aubryn Ella Just was born on Thursday, April 8, at 10:30 a.m. in Salina. Aubryn weighed in at 6# 14 oz. and measured 20 inches long. Mom and dad (Melissa and Todd), along with older brother Owen, welcome Aubryn into their family.


Aubryn taking a nap Sunday afternoon. Our family got together and celebrated a late Easter, Kyle's 20th birthday, and Aubryn's first weekend at home.

Big brother Owen holding Aubryn. He is not quite sure what to make of it all. It will be fun to watch how Owen deals with another little one in the house. Stay tuned.


This is my favorite pic of Aubryn on day 1. Look how peaceful she looks.
(Not to mention how cute)



Gramps and Grammy with little Aubryn. It's going to be fun to spoil another little girl.
We've been so blessed to have such wonderful grandkids. First Brayden. Then Owen. Then Addy. Now Aubryn. Each time ML and I just marvel at what a miracle the birth of a child is. I am reminded of the scripture that says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:13-14). Aubryn's birth once again reminds me of God's miraculous working in the creation of His children - yes indeed - fearfully and wonderfully made!















Monday, April 05, 2010

'BLOG THOUGHTS"

After a busy busy Holy Week I find myself a little "weak in the brain". I asked ML, "Do you have any blog thoughts?" She just laughed implying that I was on my own. That's scary, but let me reflect on some of the happenings of this past week:

  • Obviously, the murder of our friend, Ann Schumacher, came as a total shock and we (and our friends) are still processing and attempting to make sense of the tragedy. The "whys" and the "ifs" will never be answered, but one thing I know, death did not defeat Ann. Make no mistake about it, she now experiences the victory of everlasting life because of her faith in Jesus Christ!

  • The Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) was a true experience of God's grace at work. As people came to the Lord's table to share in Holy Communion, they first "nailed to the cross" those things that were inhibiting their relationship with the Lord. It was a powerful image to see the cross covered with purple pieces of paper signifying the request for Jesus' forgiveness and for Him to remove sin and heartache. It was a sacramental moment.

  • The Good Friday service began with our focus on the cross and ended in darkness and silence. The focus was on the question "Have You Seen My Son?" asked by the mothers of James and John, John Mark, Barabbas, Judas,and of course, Mary, the mother of Jesus. Anna and Simeon narrated the drama and it only took moments for us to identify with the plights of the mothers - heartache, pain, grief, compassion, sadness, tears, mourning! One candle remained lit as we left the room. It offered a glimmer of hope.

  • And then the Son rose. He is risen! He is risen, indeed!! Sunday morning began with a sunrise service at the main street park west of the church. How awesome it was as the youth led the service in word and in drama. (See Amy Nelson's blog for details). We then shared in a time of fellowship at the church - rolls, fruit, coffee, juice, even a chocolate fountain. How sweet (literally). Then came "THE MAIN EVENT!" Two worship services celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Praise band, video, choir, congregational singing, prayer, preaching, rejoicing - it was an incredible morning of worship. Jesus was in the house, not in the grave!! Oh that we would worship in such a manner each and every Sunday! Yes, He is risen, He is risen, indeed!!

  • Oh yeah, a little family time as well. Went to my folks for an afternoon of fun (lots of it) - my 2 brothers and their families, our son Eric and wife Andrea, Brayden and Addy as well as Kyle and Molly were there. Only Todd and his wife Melissa and Owen could not be there. Which leads to my last thought.

  • Melissa is to have her baby any moment. How wonderful to talk about new birth when this week began with the celebration of new birth that is available to us because of the resurrected Christ. Knowing a new grandchild is about to be born, I like the words of the song 'Because He Lives" that say this: "How sweet to hold, a newborn baby, and feel the joy and pride he/she gives, but greater still, the strong assurance, this child can face uncertain days, because He lives".

  • What a week it's been. Praise the Lord!! Prayerfully I'll have pics of a baby next week.

Friday, March 26, 2010

IN MEMORY


IN LOVING MEMORY OF ANN KATHLEEN SCHUMACHER
FEBRUARY 4, 1966 - MARCH 23, 2010

Monday, March 22, 2010

MONDAY MEANDERINGS!


  • I'm thinkin that a few folks need to exchange March Madness for March Gladness!

  • Thoughts on the newly passed Healthcare bill? A little behind the scenes bribery? If you do this.............I'll do this. Nothing new under the sun.

  • Officiated a funeral today - so what would be the point if there was no hope after the grave?

  • Try reading John chapters 11-13 this week and see if you can grasp it all. Lots of layers. Work through it slowly. It will do your soul good.

  • Only 6 months til elk hunting with Craig and the 2 bros. Shhhh, can you hear the bugling?

  • My wife is still the babe of my life. It's about time for a date night.

  • ML and I have decide to jot down our "God moments", those times that we know that we know that we know that God is present and actively at work in our midst. Why not join us and we'll compare notes.

  • I work with a great staff at the church - thanks Lorna, Vicky, Amy, Tracy, and Kit for all you do.

  • The Lenten journey continues. I pray I will complete the journey with Christ without veering to the left or to the right.

  • Palm Sunday on the 28th. Let's not exchange our shouts of "Hosanna!" on Sunday with cries of "Crucify Him!" a week from Friday.

  • Blessings to you all. Comments are always welcome.

Monday, March 15, 2010

POUR ME A CUP!


Okay, you're wondering what in the world is going on. Me too. But here's the deal. Last week M.L and I stopped by a coffee shop owned by Doug Harder, a friend of ours in Garden City. We ordered a couple of different blends, sat down with Doug, and proceeded to share in some great coffee and great conversation. It had been a long time since we'd taken the time to just sit down and share a cup of coffee together. In actuality, it was a God moment. Time with my wife and time with our friend without feeling like we were under the gun to be somewhere or do something within the next hour - priceless!
It reminded me of our vacation in Hawaii several years ago. We went on a cruise and every morning we would grab a cup of coffee, find a quiet spot on the deck, and then sit down and enjoy the view, the fresh air, the coffee, and each other. ML's sister and hubby would often join us. Ah yes, the simple things in life are sometimes the greatest.
Sadly, it's been so hectic as of late that even though the coffee has been brewed and poured, it has been "grab-and-go" - no time taken to just sit, relax, converse, enjoy each other's company. I don't think that's the way it's supposed to be. In fact, I "know" it's not the way it's supposed to be. So now what?
Well, I'm not asking you to pity me - it's my own fault for letting things get so crazy busy. I am asking you to hold me accountable, however. It's about priorities. It's about enjoying time with my wife and my friends. It's about slowing down and "smelling the coffee". It's about enjoying the simple things. It's about paying attention to the God moments that often come when sitting down and enjoying something as down-to-earth as a cup of coffee. God meets us in a variety of ways. Why not when drinking a cup of coffee?
P.S. - The coffee's on. Stop on by!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

GRACE DISCOVERED!!


I just returned from assisting with what is known as the "Walk to Emmaus", a 72 hour spiritual formation weekend. I worked behind the scenes for the men's walk a week ago but was the spiritual director for the women's walk this past weekend. Wow, did God ever do His thing!


Without going into all the details, it was disheartening to listen to all the struggles, hear all of the pain and the heartache, and see all of the tears that were shed because of deep hurt that so consumed many of the women who participated in the walk. But, as God would have it, He drew them to the foot of the cross where the women were able to leave their burdens and be freed from that which had so entangled them.


And it was all because of a new understanding of grace, God's unconditional love offered to us without price. This is such a hard concept for people because we live in a culture that says we've got to "earn" it, whatever "it" is. So we work hard. We work and work and work and still feel miserable. As a result we carry more and more burdens. Then we work some more and it becomes a viscious cycle. Then insecurity sets in, rejection rears its ugly head, the pressure to measure up weighs us down. And soon we find ourselves incapacitated.


Yet in the midst of it all God offers us His grace, his love that is based upon what He has done through His son Jesus Christ, not what we could ever do. John 3:16 says that "God so loved the world that he "gave" His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life." Our response is merely that of belief, of faith in Jesus. Sin is then forgiven and burdens are lifted and relationship with God and others is restored. Why carry all that junk around when Jesus has come to take it away? In fact Jesus himself said, "Come to me, you who are heavy burdened and I will give you rest".


That's what happened in the lives of so many of the women this past wekend. They were able to respond to God's love and let Jesus remove their pain and heartache. It was amazing! Simply amazing! No wonder we sing amazing grace!!

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

update - that's all!

Just got back from meetings in Salina and the Men's Walk to Emmaus - very powerful as usual! God met the guys right where they were at and opened their eyes and their hearts to a new relationship with Him. Board of Ordained Ministry meetings the last 2 days in Salina - some great candidates for ordination this year -exciting. Got to play with Owen for a moment as well - nothin like being a gramps! Heading to Garden City Thursday morning for the Women's walk (I'm the spiritual director the walk and ML is on the music team). Keep us in your prayers. Gotta go! Bless you all!!!!

Monday, February 22, 2010

MONDAY MEANDERINGS!


  • I kind of feel like Willie Nelson this week - "On the road again". Leaving Thursday for Garden City for the Men's Walk to Emmaus weekend. Finish up on Sunday afternoon and then head to Salina for a couple days of meetings. Come back to Mulvane for Wednesday to "catch up" a little. And then return to Garden City to direct the Women's Walk to Emmaus through Sunday. I spoke about focus last Sunday - dare I say I need to stay focused??

  • I'm loving the Winter Olympics. Some day I'm gonna go ( no, not to compete - unless it's curling - ha!).

  • Unbelievable blog by Amy Nelson (amynelsonmon.blogspot.com) last Sunday morning. She had no idea what I was preaching that day but our thoughts were identical. Pretty cool how God works. (Take a look at her blog from Sunday). By the way, Amy is no relation to Willie.

  • Jerry - all I can say is this - "flexibility brother, flexibility".

  • So many songs, so little time!

  • If you could see one thing take place in the church, what would it be?

  • I find out a year ago on the 20th that we were moving to Mulvane. Wow! What a difference a year makes!

  • I have 2 wonderful daughter-in-laws whose birthdays are this month - Melissa's is today, Andrea's was on the 4th. They are a blessing! My boys done good!!

  • My wife finished up with the taxes today. She deserves a gold medal for her work! I'm thinkin a date night would be good (or how about a cruise to Hawaii?)

  • Still excited about the 1980 hockey win over the Soviet Union. Do you believe in miracles? Yes!!

  • PRAISE THE LORD ANYHOW!!

Monday, February 15, 2010

GOING FOR THE GOLD!

Well, here we go again. Another Winter Olympic games is upon us. Personally, I love the winter games much more than those in the summer. The downhill skiing, the giant slalom, the ski jumps, the speed skating, the bobsledding, the luge, and yes, even a little figure skating does the soul good. These events, as well as the others I failed to mention, are incredible to watch. I can't imagine what it would be like to actually be one of the athletes. What a rush!
It is amazing to me that these athletes spend thousands upon thousand of hours preparing for a few minutes of competetion with the hope of taking home the gold medal. And with the Olympics occurring only once every four years, one slip, one false move, one fall can mean the difference between the possibility of bringing home a medal or just chalking it up to "the experience". And yet, the reality is that only a few ever get the chance to stand on the podium. So what's the deal? Why bust it when the odds are so slim to medal? And why jump right back into training when it will be 4 years before the next winter games?
It has to do with passion - the passion to win within their respective sport. The passion to prioritize life to do whatever it takes to be in shape. The passion to grunt and groan, to push the limit, to train day in and day out. The passion to do the best and be the best. The passion to keep on keeping on even in the midst of danger (so unfortunate for the luge athlete from Georgia).
Could you imagine the impact the church would have on communities and the world if we had the same kind of passion for the gospel and for others to know and experience Christ as athletes do for the Olympics? Maybe it's time we follow the example of our athletic friends, discern and develop our passion, and not only do whatever it takes to get in shape, but stay in shape. The prize awaits!

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

WEEKLY WONDERINGS!

I WONDER....
  • If Spring is coming?
  • If Peyton is having nightmares?
  • If the Saints are acting like saints?
  • If anyone under 40 ever heard of the Who?
  • If anyone cares about pro basketball?
  • What the thorn in Paul's side was?
  • If it's possible?
  • If not, why not?
  • How we can help the family who lost their children in the fire?
  • What we should study in the men's Bible study?
  • Why people only take the dollar bill when the million is available?
  • What if........................?

Monday, February 01, 2010

NO EXCUSE!

COLORADO SNOW

KANSAS SNOW

I've been reading from the book of Romans the past few days and was reminded of God's revelation of Himself in nature. Hear these words, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Rom. 1:20).
Maybe we can't "see" God like we see each other, but we can see and experience all He has created. As a result, we find ourselves having no excuse in believing that God Himself exists. His creation speaks loudly! The beauty and awe of all that surrounds us shouts out that there is a Creator. As you can see in the pictures above, the snow, the trees and the shrubs all reveal Someone beyond ourselves. Indeed, His invisible qualities become visible. What we don't always understand becomes more comprehensible. And ultimately it all points to God.
What is it in God's creation that reveals Himself to you? I'll bet you can't limit it to one example.