We live in a beautiful world. A world full of beauty, life and light.
Of paths to explore and mountains to climb and adventures to embark upon.
And yet it’s also a broken place. A place of uncertainty. And illness. And isolation. And hatred. And racism. And hurt. And worry.
Where is one to look? To turn? To run?
[Jesus] went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the [disciples’] boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.
{ And the viruses. And the loneliness. And the distrust. And the anger. And the fear. }
And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,
“Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
Matthew 14: 23-27
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying,
“Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew 14: 28-33
And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment.
And as many as touched it were made well.
Matthew 14: 34-36
And so in the midst of the scary, the pain and the unknown, we’re seeking each day…each hour…each moment…to look to Jesus.
To choose HIM.
To believe, take heart and follow.
Even when the path before us seems vast or gnarly or unclear.
We choose JESUS.
We choose trust. And faith. And hope. And joy. And love.
Jesus answered [his disciples], “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation.
But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:31-33
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Trails hiked: – Wright family woods – Hollowrock Nature Preserve – Duke Forest, entrances of off Whitfield and Erwin Road – Brumley Trail – Occoneechee Speedway and Eno Riverwalk – Occoneechee Mountain loop – Mountain to Sea trail, near Falls Lake
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:5-6
And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.”
Luke 24: 2-6
[Jesus] said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations.” Luke 24:46-47
We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. Romans 6:9-10
(Squirrel attack!!!!)
If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:31-34
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9
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Post–EasterRevelry
The final resting place of the squirrel-attacked Easter egg.
(We’re nothing if not resourceful. And maybe a little wackadoodle. But I LOVE the creativity!)
